About me...
I have always been fascinated by pregnancy and birth. Its a miracle of life that makes me smile every time I see a pregnant woman or hear of a baby being born.
My life was changed when I experienced the support of a doula while attempting a VBAC during a 23 hour natural labor. After that, I knew that I wanted to be able to work with women during this amazing time of their lives.
I am passionate about helping mothers feel empowered with their births. If I can help a mother and partner feel like they were supported physically, emotionally, and with information, I will have met my goal. I am a trained Doula, currently working on my certification through DONA. I have experience with natural labor, c-section births, epidurals, water birth, and breastfeeding.
My life was changed when I experienced the support of a doula while attempting a VBAC during a 23 hour natural labor. After that, I knew that I wanted to be able to work with women during this amazing time of their lives.
I am passionate about helping mothers feel empowered with their births. If I can help a mother and partner feel like they were supported physically, emotionally, and with information, I will have met my goal. I am a trained Doula, currently working on my certification through DONA. I have experience with natural labor, c-section births, epidurals, water birth, and breastfeeding.
What is a doula?
As a birth doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I have competed training approved by DONA International and have the following experience: I have volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital in their Labor and Delivery unit where I observed two C-sections and one vaginal birth, I witnessed the birth of my niece, I worked as a CNA at St. Vincent’s Hospital in their NICU, and I have had two births of my own. All of this experience was prior to my training as a doula. In my practice as a Doula, I have already supported two clients with their labors. I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, soothing touch, positioning and other techniques for comfort. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or birthing center/hospital.
Why have a doula?
Birth can be a time when you need some extra TLC. Doulas provide continuous care and support throughout labor and delivery. They are available prenatally to help the mother (and partner) prepare for the type of birth desired. After the birth, the doula can assist with initial transitions and help the new family access any needed support.
Research has shown that having doula support can reduce the need for interventions during labor and increase the mother’s feelings of satisfaction with the birth experience.
Specifically, having doula labor support has been shown to*:
Decrease need for a cesarean section by 50%
Decrease duration of the labor by 25%
Decrease requests for interventions such as epidurals (by 60%) and pain medications (by 30%)
Decrease need for other interventions such as Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) by 40% and the need to use forceps by 40%
Increase mother’s sense of self-esteem and decrease the rate of postpartum depression six weeks after the birth
Increase continuation of breastfeeding six weeks after the birth
*from Klaus, Kennell and Klaus (1993) referenced in the article Doula Care: An Age-Old Process Meets the 20th Century by Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam (IJCE 18(4) p.18-20)
Research has shown that having doula support can reduce the need for interventions during labor and increase the mother’s feelings of satisfaction with the birth experience.
Specifically, having doula labor support has been shown to*:
Decrease need for a cesarean section by 50%
Decrease duration of the labor by 25%
Decrease requests for interventions such as epidurals (by 60%) and pain medications (by 30%)
Decrease need for other interventions such as Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) by 40% and the need to use forceps by 40%
Increase mother’s sense of self-esteem and decrease the rate of postpartum depression six weeks after the birth
Increase continuation of breastfeeding six weeks after the birth
*from Klaus, Kennell and Klaus (1993) referenced in the article Doula Care: An Age-Old Process Meets the 20th Century by Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam (IJCE 18(4) p.18-20)
