Mindful Birth and Parenting

There are two types of doulas, birth and postpartum. 

The birth doula supports and advocates for you from the early stages of labor until the birth of your baby.  The doula will meet you at your home, or at the place of birth, and stays with you until your baby has arrived and you are both safe and comfortable.  Often times, your doula is the only person who will be with you from beginning to end, without interruption. 

The birth doula does not replace your partner, or any other family support that you choose to have present, but rather is an experienced and knowledgable resource who not only provides comfort and care alongside the labor and birth team, but who is familiar with what birth looks and feels like.  

The postpartum doula typically meets with you and your baby a few days after the birth, and supports you with newborn care/hygiene, breastfeeding, emotional postpartum support, care of the home and/or siblings, and on occasion will do light housekeeping upon request.  

Your postpartum doula  will be your lifeline when it comes to the multitude of questions that arise during the first weeks of your baby's life.  Often times, postpartum care is overlooked during first pregnancies, as many peopel focus primarily on getting through the actual birth experience.  However, postpartum care is incredibly valuable, and while grandma's are golden, I am told 100% of the time that the postpartum doula has the advantage over grandma for two reasons:  (1) The postpartum doula is educated and informed about current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding newborn care, and (2) The postpartum doula is an unbiased, nonjudgemental resource who knows when and how to offer advice and suggestions.  

I always recommend 3 or 4 private sessions during the first few weeks of life, followed by group instruction beginning around 6-8 weeks of age. 

 The benefit of private instruction is that belly massage can really help with digestive issues, which are quite common in newborns.  However, running out to a baby massage class is  totally stressful for a new mom who hasn't had much sleep the night before. 

If you combine private, followed by group instruction, you will find that you gain the tools and information you need to help your newborn through the initial frustrations caused by digestive issues, and when you are more able and ready to join in a small group infant massage session, other moms who know and understand what you are going through will become your closest friends and playgroup companions.  

My fees are as follows:

Private Instruction, $99 for 3 sessions

Group Instruction, $60 for 3 sessions

All sessions are approx. 1 hour each.  Materials, reference cards, and other handouts are provided. 

It is recommended that you begin preparing your body and mind for birth as soon as you find out that you are pregnant.  Having said that, registering for a guided group class that occurs around the 22nd-30th week of pregnancy will give you ample time to continue the process of learning about what to expect during labor and birth, beyond what you've learned on your own.  

Don't forget to spend as much time preparing for postpartum care as for the birth experience itself.  You won't regret taking a breastfeeding class, newborn care class, and/or hiring a postpartum doula.  

There is a movement in the United States right now towards natural childbirth, birthing centers and homebirth; however, far too many births still unnecessarily end up in assisted delivery or even cesarean.  We, who work in the field, have become educated over the years about the role that pain plays in childbirth in regards to the hormones that trigger contractions, labor and birth itself.  While I am SO grateful for medical technology to help that small percentage (less than 10%) of women who will not be able to birth normally, I fear that the remaining 90% who can, are being encouraged to take the easy path, rather than the right path.  I encourage every woman, regardless of what she perceives to be the right solution for her, to explore and educate herself regarding the many facets of birth in the United States.  Most women are amazed at what they find through research.  What is most important is that women who are knowledgeable about birth are more prepared when the big day comes, no matter what they choose to be the right path for themselves.