I am a huge advocate for supporting women through their pregnancies, birth & postpartum journey through to motherhood. It all began on my VBAC journey in 2015. I started my blog in 2016 to share my experiences & after having my third baby I felt drawn to doing more for mothers and underwent my Birth & Postpartum Doula Training with Bebo Mia to become a Doula. I am also a Breastfeeding Educator in training & a huge baby wearing advocate. I am the go-to person in my community for tips on baby preparation.
What is a Doula?
A Doula’s role is very much like a Coach providing a pregnant woman with the physical, emotional, and informational support she needs for better birth experience. Women cared for during labor by a Birth Doula compared to those receiving usual care are 26% less likely to give birth by Cesarean Section & 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experiences. A Doula’s precense can help ease the stress during labor and has a positive impact on the family.
The right support during the perinatal period is crucial to reduce the risk of unneeded medical interventions, postpartum mood disorders, increase breastfeeding success and overall maternal and baby health and wellness. Women cared for during labor by a doula compared to those receiving usual care are less likely to give birth by Cesarean Section & less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experiences.
It is important to note that doulas do not replace the care of a healthcare professional. I so not have medical training to deliver babies, diagnose conditions, or prescribe medications. I am merely here as a support person for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum mothers to provide informational, emotional, and physical support within my scope of practice.
How Can A Doula Support You?
I offer an array of services for mothers throughout their pregnancies, during childbirth, and in the postpartum period. There are 4 main ways how you can be supported by hiring me as your doula to help you transition into motherhood:
Informational Support
I provide you with unbiased informational support in the form of research-based and scientific evidence so that you feel empowered to make your own informed decisions regarding yours and your child’s care. I also help to bridge the gap between medical professionals and mothers to help and break down some of the technical jargon that can sometimes get a little confusing.
Emotional Support
Motherhood brings out the most raw emotions! Even for the strongest of heart, it can get tough. From the fluctuating hormones of pregnancy, postpartum and lactation, to the dramatic life change of having to care for a new human being, it can all get a bit overwhelming. As your doula, you can feel secure in knowing that I will be here to listen to you, validate your feelings, hear your concerns, or even just let you vent. You will feel unjudged, and offered unbiased support.
Physical Support
Childbirth is intense. It’s no wonder it’s called “labor”! That being said, it is also a very beautiful and transformative rite of passage. It doesn’t have to be scary. You just need the right support. Someone who will hold your hand through the uncertain times. Someone who will be there with you throughout the labor process. I will be that person who will be with you throughout your labour. You will receive help to manage the pain and discomforts of childbirth in the form of massages, acupressure, guided meditations, breathing exercises, visualization techniques and aromatherapy with certified pure, essential oils as a part of your physical labor support.
Virtual Support
You receive the same vital emotional and informational support in a virtual format from the comfort and privacy of your home. Instead of sitting and idly scrolling through or trying to Google up solutions, take advantage of speaking with a pregnancy, birth and postpartum expert who will help you find the answers that you need.