I gave birth to my 5th baby in May of 2016. I am not accepting birth doula clients at this time.
Please visit The Birth Network of Monterey County for a complete list of local doulas.
The Birth Network hosts monthly Meet the Doula events, in Salinas and Monterey.
If you are interested in private or community birth classes,
please visit my Birth Education page for more information.
Please visit The Birth Network of Monterey County for a complete list of local doulas.
The Birth Network hosts monthly Meet the Doula events, in Salinas and Monterey.
If you are interested in private or community birth classes,
please visit my Birth Education page for more information.
BIRTH SUPPORT
MY ROLE:
As a birth doula, I provide emotional and physical support to a woman during her labor and birth. I provide emotional reassurance through encouragement and knowledge. I provide physical comfort through massage, positioning, and relaxation techniques. I also provide labor progression tips and techniques by encouraging movement and position changes. I can also facilitate communication with care providers to ensure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your baby's birth. I am independent and self-employed, and as such, am working for YOU, not your caregiver or place of birth. I will not make decisions for you. I will help you obtain the information you need to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan. I will not speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you, and suggest options. I will encourage you to voice your opinions, questions, and concerns.
MY SERVICES:
Initial Consultation. FREE
A one-hour meeting with you and your support person to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities, fears, or concerns, and to determine how we might best work together.
Basic Labor Support Package. $1,200
YOUR BIRTH EXPERIENCE Parent Guide + two prenatal appointments + labor & birth attendance + one postpartum visit.
Premium Labor Support Package. $1,350
YOUR BIRTH EXPERIENCE Parent Guide + three extended prenatal appointments + comprehensive personal training for you and your birth partner
+ labor & birth attendance + one postpartum visit.
* BIRTH DOULA clients may take $100 off any Thoughtful Birthing childbirth education class. *
* If you need financial assistance, please do not hesitate to ask. Payment arrangements are always available. *
WHAT IS A DOULA?
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Each person involved in the care of the laboring woman impacts her physical and emotional well-being. Doctors, nurses, and midwives are primarily responsible for the physical health and safety of the mother and baby. Although a doula is ultimately not responsible for any particular outcome, non-medical support can reduce the risk of complications during labor and delivery and increase the mother's satisfaction with the overall birth experience. A doula meets a woman's non-medical needs by providing continuous emotional and physical support, facilitating communication between the laboring woman and her team, and providing helpful information.
Proven Benefits of Doula Care According the a Cochrane Review published in 2012 by Hodnett and colleagues, when continuous labor support is provided by a doula, women experience a(n): ~ Decrease in the risk of cesarean ~ Decrease in the use of pitocin ~ Decrease in the use of forceps or vacuum extractor ~ Decrease in the use of medication for pain relief ~ Decrease in the length of labor ~ Decrease in the risk of her newborn being admitted to the NICU ~ Decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience ~ Increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth Six weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were: ~ Less anxious and depressed ~ Had more confidence with baby ~ More satisfied with partner ~ More likely to be breastfeeding |
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The time honored tradition of the doula suggests that her assistance truly makes labor a better experience for most who utilize her services.
As a whole, the birth experience is more satisfying for the birthing mother who chooses to use a doula.
It is proven that, overall, doula-assisted births have shorter labor durations, with fewer complications and medical interventions.
Birthing mothers have less need for pain medication and shorter hospital stays, and breastfeeding is more successful.
As a whole, the birth experience is more satisfying for the birthing mother who chooses to use a doula.
It is proven that, overall, doula-assisted births have shorter labor durations, with fewer complications and medical interventions.
Birthing mothers have less need for pain medication and shorter hospital stays, and breastfeeding is more successful.