doula services
"If a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." ~Dr. John H. Kennell
The term Doula is a greek word meaning "woman of service". The primary role of a Doula is to provide continuous emotional, physical and educational support throughout pregnancy, birth and just after childbirth. A Doula does NOT take the place of the mother's partner or family support, but simply assists in the encouragement and support by being a "constant" during the entire process. Many times the Doula is a helper to the partner and other family members by providing them support, encouragement and education as well. We always work as a team. A Doula is not considered a medical provider but more of an experienced partner in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care.
"We have a secret in our culture, and it isn't that birth is painful. It's that women are strong."~Laura Stavoe Harm
I have worked as a Professional Doula for 17 years, serving in many settings including hospitals, birth centers and more frequently home birth. I believe in family centered care where every member has a unique and vital role in the support of a childbearing woman. Most women desiring a natural, unmedicated birth seek out the help of a Doula. However this is not the case for all women. I have worked with many women who have chosen a hospital setting and the outcome has been just as beautiful and awesome as a homebirth. I consider myself a Holistic Doula-meaning one who seeks to nurture the whole person and the whole family. I believe that pregnancy, labor and birth are normal, healthy human functions that the majority of women are well suited for with minimal intervention. With this belief comes the trust I have in the process of birth and the power of women. It is a fact that women who's focus is on physical, emotional and spiritual health throughout their pregnancy, find their labors and births are much more comfortable and the process goes more smooth with a more positive outcome.
"Birth is as safe as life gets" Harriet Hartigan
*Studies have shown that women who have a Doula present during their birth report a more satisfying birth experience. Many women have reported experiencing less pain during labor and even enjoy a shorter delivery. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate more actively during the labor with the presence of a Doula than without one. Many of the common interventions in childbirth are often avoided with the presence and help of a Doula. (Pitocin, Induction, Forceps and Vacuum, Episiotomy and C sections) Having a Doula present is very helpful in a successful VBAC as well! Most mothers report a significant increase of the bonding process as well as a significant decrease of postpartum hormonal fluctuations just after delievery. *Mothering the Mother by Dr.'s Kennell and Klaus
"The worst intervention in childbirth today is the clock." ~Midwife,Mother, Grandmother
"...experience has clearly shown me that an approach which "demedicalizes" birth, restores dignity and humanity to the process of childbirth, and returns control to the mother is the safest approach."~Dr. Michael Odent MD
WHAT I PROVIDE:
I like to work with women as early as possible (typically in the 2nd trimester) in order to establish an intimate rapport. I respect the individual choices of women and realize that trust is the key in this type of work with women and their babies. All the service I provide will be in your home and any and all family or support members are strongly encouraged to be present. I will provide continuous support and education with home visits (unlimited and as needed) as well as attending your caregiver appointments. I am a firm believer in helping the "whole person" so I spend a great deal of time getting to know you, your partner, family members, your baby, your heart and your soul. I place a lot of emphasis on physical nutrition as much as I do emotional and spiritual health. I am available via phone, email and text as often as you feel you need me. Throughout labor and birth I will be constantly supporting you and encouraging the natural process of birth by offering many comfort measures to help you manage your discomfort in labor and to maximize the safety and awesomeness of your birth experience. Some of them include: massage, position changes, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, singing, praying, laughing, reflex massage. After birth I will stay with you and your baby to help establish breastfeeding, should you decide to do that. I am also available for inhome visits throughout the first 3 months. I will visit you at 1 day, 7 days and 14 days postpartum and then throughout the baby's 1st 3 months of life if needed. I am available to help teach you newborn care as well as suggetions for care of yourself.
Service Fee: $750
Non Refundable Deposit: $250
Choosing to have a Doula present for your birth is a very personal choice. I encourage all moms to interview several Doulas in order to choose the right birth participant for your experience.
