"Good beginnings make a positive difference in the world, so it is worth our while to provide the best possible care for mothers and babies throughout this extraordinarily influential part of life."
~ Ina May Gaskin
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Birth is not only a transforming and powerful experience for a woman and her partner but also for the baby, the new soul being born. When I started my path as a yoga teacher I was inspired by my mentor that yoga is a path for us to connect to our authentic selves and when we act from our truth we are better human beings on many levels. Yoga is her small way to make a difference in the world and she passed this idea on to me. I take this same philosophy with me when assisting women, their partner, and babies in birth. Encouraging a positive experience for this new soul being brought into the world as well as helping our own souls to blossom.
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What is a Birth Doula? The word doula is an Ancient Greek word meaning "woman who serves". The term Birth Doula is used now to refer to a person, usually a woman but not always, who is a trained professional experienced with birth that provides continuous emotional, physical, and informative support for a woman and her partner in preparation for, during, and shortly after birth. Doulas are an integral part of your birthing team working along side your midwives, doctors, nurses, close friends or family members, as well as your partner. To put it simply doulas are the emotional bridge between the medical and emotional sides of birth. (Doulas do not provide medical treatments, exams, or diagnoses)
Why use a Birth Doula? Studies show that women who use a doula at their birth have fewer complications, are more likely to have a positive experience, babies are born healthier and breastfeed more easily. A doula provides continuous support before, during and after birth. You don't have to worry about their shift changing or who is on call. They can also help your partner participate according to their comfort level, helping them to be very active and involved or not. In addition, a doula can help you to make informed decisions and be an advocate for your birth experience.
Why use a Birth Doula? Studies show that women who use a doula at their birth have fewer complications, are more likely to have a positive experience, babies are born healthier and breastfeed more easily. A doula provides continuous support before, during and after birth. You don't have to worry about their shift changing or who is on call. They can also help your partner participate according to their comfort level, helping them to be very active and involved or not. In addition, a doula can help you to make informed decisions and be an advocate for your birth experience.
Birthing with Christiana
I am a trained DONA (Doulas of North America) doula and I follow their model of care. This means that I will meet with you at least twice before your birth. I will join you during your labor when you are ready/need me to come preferably before you reach "active" labor. I stay with you for a few hours after birth till you and baby are comfortable, helping with breastfeeding and other needs. A few days after birth I will come by to see how you and your family are doing and to talk about your birth and help with tasks around the house or other needs you might have. I will always be available to you via phone, text, or email.
As a yoga teacher I know that are bodies are powerful, sometimes more powerful than we realize. This power and strength is often revealed to women during labor and birth. It is my goal to help you realize and work with your body's potential so that you, your body and your baby work as a team to assist this new soul to come earth-side. There are many tools I like to utilize such as; meditation, focused breathing and relaxation, aromatherapy, massage, changing positions, using heating/cooling pads, utilizing a birth ball, imagery, practicing labor positions and much more. I am happy to support you in your birth choices whether you plan on your birth taking place at home, hospital, or birthing center.
A doula plays a very different role from your primary care person whether that be a doctor or midwife. While they provide a wonderful and important service they are often busy keeping an eye on the medical aspects of birth. A doula does not have these preoccupations and are able to focus solely on you. Likewise, a partner, sister, friend or mother can be a great part of your birthing team but sometimes lack experience and a wealth of knowledge surrounding birth. Sometimes seeing someone they love going through challenges can be stressful for them and often the books they've read or actions they have practiced or easily forgotten in the moment. This is where a doula can help them to help you. It is not my goal to replace anyone in a birthing room but rather to play a guiding role. Letting a partner take a break if they need to eat, sleep or pee and assisting them with how best to help you. Doulas are the third base coach of birth. To someone watching the game our job may not be clear, but to the batters our help is immeasurable and you realize it as soon as we have guided you home.
I am a trained DONA (Doulas of North America) doula and I follow their model of care. This means that I will meet with you at least twice before your birth. I will join you during your labor when you are ready/need me to come preferably before you reach "active" labor. I stay with you for a few hours after birth till you and baby are comfortable, helping with breastfeeding and other needs. A few days after birth I will come by to see how you and your family are doing and to talk about your birth and help with tasks around the house or other needs you might have. I will always be available to you via phone, text, or email.
As a yoga teacher I know that are bodies are powerful, sometimes more powerful than we realize. This power and strength is often revealed to women during labor and birth. It is my goal to help you realize and work with your body's potential so that you, your body and your baby work as a team to assist this new soul to come earth-side. There are many tools I like to utilize such as; meditation, focused breathing and relaxation, aromatherapy, massage, changing positions, using heating/cooling pads, utilizing a birth ball, imagery, practicing labor positions and much more. I am happy to support you in your birth choices whether you plan on your birth taking place at home, hospital, or birthing center.
A doula plays a very different role from your primary care person whether that be a doctor or midwife. While they provide a wonderful and important service they are often busy keeping an eye on the medical aspects of birth. A doula does not have these preoccupations and are able to focus solely on you. Likewise, a partner, sister, friend or mother can be a great part of your birthing team but sometimes lack experience and a wealth of knowledge surrounding birth. Sometimes seeing someone they love going through challenges can be stressful for them and often the books they've read or actions they have practiced or easily forgotten in the moment. This is where a doula can help them to help you. It is not my goal to replace anyone in a birthing room but rather to play a guiding role. Letting a partner take a break if they need to eat, sleep or pee and assisting them with how best to help you. Doulas are the third base coach of birth. To someone watching the game our job may not be clear, but to the batters our help is immeasurable and you realize it as soon as we have guided you home.
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The Soul Choice
My services include:
** I will be on call and available for your birth two weeks before your estimated due date and after. If for some reason I am not able to attend due to illness or circumstances out of my control a well qualified doula will take my place. Price
My services are based on a sliding scale, please contact me for more information. Please do not let cost be your main factor in deciding to hire a Birth Doula. You, your baby and your birth experience are way more important! If you are hesitant to hire a Doula because of cost do not hesitate to contact me. We can discuss payment plans, trade and other options. |
“Remember this, for it is as true and true gets: Your body is not a lemon. You are not a machine. The Creator is not a careless mechanic. Human female bodies have the same potential to give birth well as aardvarks, lions, rhinoceri, elephants, moose, and water buffalo. Even if it has not been your habit throughout your life so far, I recommend that you learn to think positively about your body.” ~ Ina May Gaskin "Imagine what might happen if women emerged from their labor beds with a renewed sense of strength and power of their bodies, and of their capacity for ecstasy through giving birth." ~ Dr. Christiane Northrup "Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh "This moment is fast and fleeting." ~ Christiana, during times of challenge and joy |
