doula services

The foundation and inspiration of my doula practice is my belief in a woman's innate power to birth naturally, on her own terms. Because I have seen the way (excessive) interventions can seriously interfere with this natural, intuitive, potentially empowering process, I have chosen to focus on working with women who believe in their own power to give birth, are interested in making informed choices and are willing to take responsibility for themselves in the birthing process, thus truly committing themselves to having the most natural birth possible, even at the hospital. (Though I understand that interventions are sometimes necessary) My practice is very holistic, as I strongly encourage the women I support to examine (and sometimes adjust) all aspects of their lives as they prepare to give birth to their child, as well as to their new selves.

When women began birthing in hospitals, the medical establishment started to erase or overlook the sacred and natural elements of the pregnancy and birthing process, it is now at the point where a woman practically relinquishes control of her body the moment she steps through the door. Though hospitals are making positive steps towards improving their care, many women are now searching for alternatives, such as doula support and/ or homebirth midwifery, to allow them to give birth in the way they themselves choose, which is more in touch with nature's rhythms and their own intuition.

As your doula I can be your advocate in the hospital or additional nurturing support at home births. I bring my knowledge of yoga, massage, energy work, healthy living and photography to help make your birth a sacred experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life. I will assist you in making a birth plan, help you work through your deepest fears and reservations, present a variety of natural pain management techniques to use in preparation for and during labor and help your partner remain an active, effective role in this amazing experience. As you begin to visualize and prepare for your ideal birth you will develop a sense of confidence and strength that will carry you through the challenges of labor and birth. After the birth, I will help you review and clarify how things went at your birth, answer any questions and teach you some simple massage techniques that you and your partner can use with your new baby. Many moms like to combine their postnatal visit with a massage for themselves and their partner.

Included in my fee: two prenatal and one postnatal visit, unlimited phone consultations, continuous support throughout your labor, holistic pregnancy counseling, photography of the birth (if you wish), and access to my personal library of books, articles and videos. I work as a team with your partner and/or family, as well as the hospital staff or homebirth midwives to make sure that you have all your needs met during this special time.

Numerous controlled studies have been done in hospitals that prove the benefits of having a birth doula, they include: less medical intervention, improved bond between a woman and her partner, more immediate bonding with the baby, reduced need or requests for pain medication, decrease in the length of labor, less incidence of cesarean section.  John Kennell, MD, one of the authors of Mothering the Mother and the study mentioned above, once said "If a doula was a drug, it would be unethical not to use one."

For more info on doulas, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doula

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