Birth Doula (in training for DONA Certification)

Doula is a Greek word meaning "woman helping woman." A Doula provides support and suggestions to the mother and/or couple that can enhance the birth experience.

• *Assists the mother and partner in preparing and supporting their birth plans.
• *Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs during labor.
• *Emotional support and physical comfort measures offered throughout labor.
• *Provides objective viewpoints and assistance to make good informed decisions.
• *Facilitates between laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers.
• *Views birth as a peak experience the mother will remember throughout life.

Research studies have found that when doulas attend births, labors are shorter, and there are fewer complications. There is less need for oxytocin to speed labor, for forceps or vacuum extractor deliveries, or for pain medication, epidurals, or cesarean deliveries. As a result babies are also healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

The first interview is free!

• *2-3 pre-natal visits
• *A pre-natal massage
• *A BodyTalk session
• *Support during birth
• *A post-natal visit

Fee is $600 pending certification

A Blessing Way is a beautiful ceremony focused on the mother-to-be, exploring the challenges and joys that lie before her as she approaches birthing and mothering. The ceremony helps a woman prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the work of birthing, and creates a circle of support that will hold her as she prepares to give birth and enter motherhood with her child.

The ceremony can be created uniquely for the mother along with her friends, and includes cleansing, banishing fears, sharing of wisdom with tea lights, meditation through all five senses, and flower blessing for the mother and baby. Participants are each given a candle and flower to take home with them so they can maintain blessings for the mother-to-be leading up to the birth and during labor.
2-3 hours $250