A Labor of Love

2008-07-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

The word Doula means caregiver in Greek. What better way to share my love of the birthing mother than to offer a service of mothering the mother while in the early stages of labor and thereafter.
My role is to help the birthing mother make informed decisions about her birth and the birthing process. The miracle of birth seems to have been forgotten for what it can truly be, A Labor of Love.
A woman's body is designed to give birth, its perfect in its form and enables the birthing mother the opportunity to draw out inside of her the ability to achieve the most empowering moment of her life.
My greatest accomplishment comes from helping expected mothers achieve their goals and ideal birth plan with educated decisions and preparation. My presence at the birth and thereafter is only an added role in helping her accomplish what she is already capable of.
I hope you find this blog of use to you as you prepare for your upcoming birth. I feel theresources provided will lead you in the direction you desire to go. Best of luck in your Labor of Love.

Benifits of a Doula

2008-07-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

Several research studies have proven the benefits of having a doula attend birth, and include the following statistics:

50% reduction in the need for cesarean section
25% reduction in length of labor
40% reduction in the use of oxytocin
30% reduction in the use of pain medication
40% reduction in the use of instrumental delivery
60% reduction in requests for epidurals

In follow-up studies 6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were found to be:
· More confident with baby care
· More satisfied with partner (71% versus 30% without a doula)
· More likely to be breastfeeding (52% versus 29% without a doula)
· Better maternal interaction
· Less postpartum depression, anxiety and greater self-esteem
· Higher maternal assessments of their baby Greater satisfaction with the birth experience

Interested in a Doula

2008-07-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Not only does a Doula provide the emotional and physical support needed to labor she also provides the information needed to make educated decisions for both the mother and baby.

As a Certified Doula I provide you the following:

2-4 pre-natal visits, at these visits I will help you set a birth plan as wells as goals for your birth.
I will demonstrate to you and share suggestion for comfort measures to utilize during the birthing process.
I will be on call 2 weeks prior to your estimated due date.
I will provide you constant support during your labor and will remain with you after the baby is born to assure you are comfortable.
I will call and or visit you within 2 days of the birth to visit you and your family.
I will also visit you and your family within one week of the initial visit.
I will be available for you postpartum for any questions or help you may need.

For prices and more detailed info feel free to contact me at alaboroflove@cox.net