As I meet people and share in conversation around the community, at one point I'm ususally asked what I do. When I share that I am a doula, the most common response is, "You're a what?" When I share that I teach woman how you have an amazing birth, I'm usually asked if I'm a midwife or get the deer in the headlights stare. I'd love to share a little more information with you! 

 

 

 

If you are like most pregnant woman, the most common emotion you are experiencing about your coming labor is panic.

 

What is a doula? How can birth classes help you? Here is my elevator pitch straight from the heart!

 

 

Maybe you've been thinking this...

 

I'm not sure what contractions are going to be like and I'm afraid of the pain.

I'm overwhelmed and I don't even know where to begin learning.

I'm worried that my partner won't know how to support me.

I'm uncertain how my provider feels about my birth plan.

 

What if you could feel this way instead?...

 

I feel well prepared and ready for my labor, my body knows how.

I can depend on my partner and we can do this together, he has the support he needs. 

I'm confident in my plan and my care provider.

 

 

Let's talk about what education and doula support can do for you! 

 

Let's look at one of the major life events....a wedding! Imagine that day. It's beautiful, everything is in place and the plan is working smoothly. They hired a wedding planner who helped them navigate their way through planning and preparation. Sharing vendors, referrals, and information that best suited their style and needs. Their planner was present on the day of their event to to assist with hiccups and details. The day went perfectly, they were incredibly happy they hired a wedding planner. They didn't have to worry about the details, they focused on each other and made beautiful memories. 

 

 Preparations, planning and support are important, this is the biggest event in your life. 

Natural birth classes can prepare you, you can learn what to expect.You can learn how and what to plan, and learn information on topics you may have not considered. You can learn information relevant to you from pregnancy to birth. You and your partner can go into labor fully confident & prepared. 

 

A doula can offer information, knowledge on birthing techniques and comfort methods. On your birthing day she will be with you from beginning to end helping you naviagate & manage your labor in the way that best suits you. Partnering with your support team to help comfort your laboring body,  giving you skilled emotional support, offering guidance to your partner, and sharing knowledge when you need it most. Adding a set of supporting hands to your plan.

 

 

An inside look at the support of this doula...

 

 

Support from beginning to end: I am able to focus 100% on you and your partner. As medical staff comes and goes, a doula is able to give you their undivided attention. 

 

A more comfortable & peaceful birth experience: Evidence shows that a mother who has continuous support feels more connected and involved with her labor & birth. Experience over centuries has taught us that labor positions and techniques help labor progress. A doula has training & expertise in supporting you physically & emotionally. Doula support has been shown to reduce the needs for interventions & cesarians by more than half. 

 

Planning: Much like a wedding planner a doula offers her time in helping you coordinate and prepare your plan, share knowledge in pregnancy comfort, and refer you to other needed or wanted services. I will meet with you pre-nataly bringing information and knowledge on birth planning from early labor to bonding with baby, as well as postpartum preparation. I will share knowledge and guide you to information on topics that matter to you. This can relieve many stresses & fears as you move forward to your birthing day. 

 

A birthing enviroment: A doula is constantly accessing your enviroment making sure that it is best suited to your needs and comfort. This is your birthing space. We use comfort such as music, low lights, nourishing you with food, drinks, and encouragement. Some families may need intimacy and others may need family. Whatever you need, I support. 

 

A night in shining armor: Your partner knows you the best, he is essential to your birth! Dads always want to help but we find that they are not always sure how. Dad knows you, and doulas know birth. It's the perfect partnership! 

 

Your birth, your way: There is certainly many ways to have a baby. You get to choose what's best for you and your baby, and recieve supportive, non-judgemental care from your doula. No matter the birth you choose I make every effort to make sure it is a joyous time for your family. Doula support is vaulable is every kind of birth.

 

When the plan changes: As much as we would like to stick with the plan, there is room for it to change. Some things are even out of your control and a new plan needs to be made. Plans may change, but one fact remains. You have choices. A doula will add invaluable support and knowledge if a need like this arises. 

 

Supporting your postpartum: You've just had a baby, and an immense amount of support along your journey. Now what? Within the first 2 weeks of birth I offer a scheduled visit. During this postpartum time mother's often wonder if what they are experiencing is normal. A mother might need some reassurance, a referral or breastfeeding support.  Before and after that follow up visit you have unlimited access to your doula via phone or email. 

 

 

I believe birth education and doula services go hand in hand. This is why I offer both services for local families, you can have an amazing birth! Find out more about my natural birth classes and how they can bring clarity and confidence to your experience, and anwers to the why and how you can have that natural birth you want.

As a doula, I offer calm, present, steady, and compassionate care. I would love to be your doula! 

Please contact me for more information!