Become a Patron!
Several years ago, I signed up for Childbirth, Breastfeeding, as well as Post-partum doula training with Childbirth Training, but for personal reasons, I didn’t begin my training. My work supporters of many years and now friends, Linda van Laer (ex doula and counselor now) and Angelyn Seet-Loh (seasoned childbirth educator and birth doula) gently urged me on and assured me that the right time will come for me.
I finally began it in January 2018 as one of my new year resolutions and found myself enjoying it. As part of my doula requirement, I was to attend some childbirth lessons in person. Angelyn suggested her 6-session Bradley Method™ of Husband-Coached Childbirth classes conducted over 12 weeks. She assured me that once I attended these sessions, I would be ready to support a child birth – and she was right.
The course came with a workbook which we went through each session. Each session opened with a practical component reviewing physical exercises and food diary before delving into the coursework which has been systematic laid out with progressive knowledge as well as supporting teaching videos, materials and aids. Each session ended with a relaxation meditation. I found that Bradley’s book Husband-Coached Childbirth reiterated content from the course and reinforced the learnings nicely. You can read my book review here.
Since I already like Angelyn, I could be biased but I genuinely found her teaching style to be warm, relaxed, and maternal. The words “Earth mother” repeatedly comes to mind, and is apt since she birthed her two children naturally with the support of her husband, and also supported hundreds of births. One cannot help but relax and feel comfortable around Angelyn. This, I believe, in turn supports the couples in asking any questions they have, and in raising any concerns they might have.
I’ve witnessed how gentle Angelyn chooses to be with her words and demeanour due to her conscious desire not to alarm or shock the expectant couple – or I guessed it since I am very attuned to micro expressions due to my occupation. I’ve also noted how consistent Angelyn can be – often repeating her answers patiently several times in one session. All these qualities make Angelyn a treasure and unduplicable – a reassuring presence and resource person for all her clients.
I’ve been recommending my expecting clients to hire Angelyn as a doula for a long time. Now having attended Angelyn’s Bradley Method Childbirth classes, I find myself rather the raving fan for these classes as well. I deem it an excellent investment of time, money, and energy as with each week that passes through the pregnancy, the information taught becomes part of the mental and physical preparation to THE day. It’s an unfolding process – not a one-off thing (just like birth – and no, birth is not about the hysterical pushing and screaming portrayed in Hollywood movies)!
The bringing of a new life into the world shouldn’t be the mother’s role, but the other parent’s too. I have been privy to witnessing the emotional disconnect with a new-born that could happen when non-expectant parent was not actively involved from the start. To me, there is nothing sweeter as seeing a couple committed to the birthing process, with the expectant person being supported; and both learning as much as they can as they prepare to embark on this new journey as parents and fall in love with their child. It is possible to have natural childbirth – it is the lack of knowledge that hinder the mental belief it is possible. Get educated – don’t relay on hearsay, superstition, and give up the power and sovereignty of your life. Reclaim your birthright. Give birth the way you deem best for you, your baby-in-waiting, and your family.
Website: http://www.treeoflifebirth.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treeoflifebirthSG/
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for almost 10 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She is the host of weekly radio show Eros Evolution on the OMTimes Radio Network. She has published three books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga and From Princess to Queen.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
