Providing Birth Doula Services in the Twin Cities and Surrounding Areas!
What is a Doula?
Doula is a Greek work meaning a woman caregiver. Today it is generally used to describe a support person during childbirth or during post partum. She is a trained and experienced labor companion that provides emotional and physical support for a woman in labor. She understands the emotions and physiology of labor. She can assist a woman in getting the information she needs to make an educated decision.
A Little About Me
I have been fascinated with birth and being a mother since I can remember. I have three children of my own, after the birth of my first son I knew I wanted to be a doula because it was the most amazing thing I had ever experienced. I am passionate about birth and beleive it is a transformational experience. It is very important to me to support you in the birth that YOU want to have. I want you to feel supported and empowered throughout your labor, understanding that birth doesn't always go the way you want it to go but it can still be a HAPPY BIRTH.
What to Expect
After choosing to move forward with my doula services we will meet atleast once prenatally. At this time we will discuss your birth letter, or I can help you write one if you would like. It is not vital to have a birth letter but is definitely helpful for everyone if you understand your preferences about your birth. We will discuss comfort measures, things that help you relax, and things that you find not helpful. We will also discuss different laboring and pushing positions.
When you are in labor I will join you whenever you feel you would like me to come. I can come to your house if it is part of your plan to labor at home for as long as possible or maybe you are delivering at home, or I can meet you at the hospital or birth center. While you are in labor I will provide emotional support and encouragement. I will be there for physical support helping with different positions and massage techniques and all the little things that may come up. Don't worry partners, my job is to make you look good, not to take away from your experience together!
After baby is born I will visit you in the first few days and then again in a couple weeks after the baby is born. During this time you can call me or e-mail me with anything that may come up. You can count on me for breastfeeding support if you choose to breastfeed as it is something I am very passionate about.
