A doula is specially trained to assist a laboring woman throughout the birth process. Having a doula assist in birth is proven to shorten labor, reduce the number of interventions and create a more positive perception of birth. Requests for medication decrease and positive feelings about the birth increase when a doula is present.
While the Bradley(R) method does teach husbands to be amazing and capable support systems, a doula has the added advantages that she has 1) given birth herself, 2)has experience working with medical teams in different settings, and 3) can offer objective ideas and solutions.
Being present at the birth of a child is a humbling and awesome honor. I have learned so much from my presence in the birthing room, and it is one of my favorite things to do.
Training
While the Bradley(R) method does teach husbands to be amazing and capable support systems, a doula has the added advantages that she has 1) given birth herself, 2)has experience working with medical teams in different settings, and 3) can offer objective ideas and solutions.
Being present at the birth of a child is a humbling and awesome honor. I have learned so much from my presence in the birthing room, and it is one of my favorite things to do.
Training
I am fully certified by the National Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method). Bradley training is doula training.
Experience
I began assisting births in 2003. I am still surprised at the uniqueness I find in each experience. I have assisted with:
- natural birth
- medicated births
- Cesarean births
- high risk pregnancies
- induced labor
- minor complications
- long labors
- posterior presentations
- episiotomies and tears
- multiple births (twins)
- medically complicated births
Fees and Services
A fee of $600.00 includes:
- One pre-labor meeting to get to know each other, discuss birth plans, goals and desires
- Research into any special circumstances you may have so I can meet your specific needs.
- Meet you at the birth place when you are about 5 centimeters, or showing signs of advanced first stage labor
- Attend to family’s needs for entire labor
- Stay about an hour after delivery or until you feel comfortable without me
- Available anytime night or day for questions and concerns.
- Only a true emergency would prevent me from attending your birth. However, I do have arrangements with a back-up doula who can fill in for me if needed.
These services can be amended to meet your particular needs, as well.
Services NOT offered:
- I am not medically trained. I cannot give advice about medical situations. I can offer information that I have gained from my training and extensive reading. I do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Couples who sign up for both Bradley(R) Classes and Doula Services qualify for a $50 discount.
