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Professional Birth Doula Services Supporting Families Through The Birth Process
What is a Doula?? The short answer is support for the birthing couple (mom and her partner) thru the birth experience. No matter how far back in time you look, women have always gathered to support each other in the birth process. Encouraging the birthing woman, being a knowledgeable presence, assisting the midwife, fixing food, household chores, caring for older children and babies. Whatever needed doing to support the woman and her family. Now those natural roles from the past have developed into a profession. Doulas. The word doula is a Greek word, meaning woman who serves. There are 2 types of doulas; birth doulas and postpartum doulas.
Postpartum doulas provide support and services in the transition period after birth with; breastfeeding, baby care, cooking, light cleaning, and assistance with older children. As a birth doula, my role is very different than the rest of your birth team (midwife, doctor, and nurses). My sole focus is on the emotional, mental, and physical support for you and your partner. To read birth stories and experiences from previous clients Click Here The rest of the woman's birthing team, by the nature of their roles, must focus more on the medical safety of the mother and baby. Providing a constant and consistent nurturing presence during labor and birth is the job of the doula, as I stay with you throughout the birth process until after your baby is born. This frees up the woman's partner to be able to be present without trying to remember all the info from birth class, what they should do next, etc. The importance and positive impact of a doula's presence at birth has been researched and studied numerous times. Additional information on doulas; their history, research findings, and more can be found by clicking here --> DONA. In choosing a doula it is important to know their personal perspective and philosophy on how they approach their role at birth. Trust your feelings on whether or not a doula is a good match for you and your partner. Birth is a very personal and intimate experience. Make sure you will feel comfortable sharing it with the doula you are considering. My Philosophy
In labor my focus is on you (a birthing woman) within a birthing family. My goal is to ease the process of birth for you, your partner, and your baby. It is my belief that your partner is also in labor emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, and needs support just as much as you do. Often I find myself working more with your partner in guiding and helping them to support you thru the birth, rather than providing direct support to you. I believe this approach serves to support you as you give birth in the best way possible, while also supporting and enhancing your closeness as a couple. Of course, each couple is unique, so it helps that I am very flexible on how to best meet the needs of each couple I work with! Beyond the physical birth of your child, birth is a gateway and the birth of your family, or the expansion of your family. This is an incredible time of change for you as a couple, as well as an incredible journey you are undertaking thru the birth process. I have no agenda about where or how you choose to give birth. It is my desire and hope you make choices from an informed place and with confidence. Each woman and couple are unique, so it makes sense that what makes for a good birth experience varies from woman to woman as well. How it Works
Before labor I
visit with you and your partner in your home. This time together gives us
time to connect more, and for me to learn more about your desires
and wishes for birth. This also gives me a chance to experience your dynamics as a couple so I can begin to get a sense of how best to support you both. It also makes it a lot easier to find your home in the middle of the night! When labor begins I will typically arrive early in labor to help you stay comfortable and relaxed until it is time to go to your birthing facility, or for the midwives to come to your home. When it is time, I go with you to the hospital or birth center. I stay with you throughout labor, until after the baby is born, and you are all settled in. Usually I am taking pictures of the labor, birth, and those precious first moments with your baby. I then bring you your pictures on a cd with a commemorative label after the birth. This is a very brief and general overview. I would be happy to discuss your needs and wishes by phone or in person. Contact me for more information.
Serving the Seattle area since1995 |
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My
intention and focus is on enhancing the experience for all involved, to create a
foundation for the healthy happy birth of your family.
