Moose vs. Midwife: When Wildlife Interrupts

What do you do when your midwife can't get to you because a moose is sitting by your front door?

What do you do when your doula is blocked by the black bear in your yard?

This is such an Alaskan question, but it's a real one.

If you're in labor and the local wildlife is getting in your way, this is a job for your partner. Make noise, throw things, whatever you need to do to get whatever four-legged creature is in your way to move.

Also have faith in your Alaskan doula/midwife. This probably isn't the first time she's encountered this situation. I've lived in Alaska my whole life and have a thousand stories about moose and bears (my favorite involves my friend Andrea opening her front door and smacking a black bear with a bicycle helmet, but maybe don't do that).

I will honk my horn, wave my arms, shout, throw things...it's like a postal worker situation: neither rain nor sleet nor hail nor bears nor moose will keep me from my laboring client.

Although I always do appreciate the heads up. "Hey, my water broke, contractions are eight minutes apart and there's a moose in the yard."

Christine Rogers is a birth doula and childbirth educator in Alaska, serving Anchorage, Eagle River and the Mat-Su Valley. A mom of four, she works hard to ensure every client she serves has a positive and empowering birth experience. She can be reached online at www.drawneardoula.com, or emailed directly at drawneardoula@gmail.com.

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