As a doula and a mother, I trust a woman's body, her heart, her knowledge, and her ability to birth a baby. When given complete information, laboring women are capable of making decisions that are appropriate for themselves, their families, and their unique situations. Ideally, my goal is for you to be calm, receptive, and present for this amazing moment in your life, no matter how the birth unfolds, no matter what kind of birth you hope for. My doula care consists of a combination of these elements:
compassionate emotional support for both mother and partner
breathwork & guidance with visualization, affirmations, and physical positioning to keep labor progressing
balanced and non-judgemental information regarding recommended obstetrical interventions
In prenatal meetings, we will discuss your goals and preferences for labor, including pain management intentions. Prenatal meetings may also include labor "rehearsals" to practice coping techniques that are right for you. When you are in labor, I will join you, either at your home or your birth center/hospital, and remain for about 1-2 hours after your baby is born. Throughout your pregnancy, I am available to you via email or phone as you need to consult with me. I will also come visit you about a week after your baby is born to discuss the birth and help you assess whatever post-partum needs you may have. I am proud to partner my practice with Maria Rader (ALACE),who shares in my philosophy of nurturing, informed-decision making, and trust in the physiological process of birth.
As a post-partum doula, I specialize in the early days of first-time parents, coming in to your home to support you and your husband/partner within a few days of your baby's birth. My goal is to recreate the traditional "lying-in" period as much as I can to encourage family bonding, rest, and the mother's recuperation from her delivery.
In the first 2 weeks of the baby's life, I will provide 2-3 visits per week to:
establish, support, and troubleshoot breastfeeding