Frequently Asked Questions….
What is a doula?
I think each doula has a different definition of what role they take on with each family. For me, a doula is a companion who knows the ins and outs of birth. While I don’t have all the answers, I have the ability to provide guidance and tools that support your values and choices throughout this unknown time. I am there to remind you to trust yourself and your baby and provide warm encouragement each step of the way.
Does having a doula impact my partner’s role?
Only positively! I am part of your birth team. I hold the belief that birth is a sacred, connecting, and powerful journey for the whole family to go on together. My job is to enhance the role that your partner can play in your birth (not replace them) by guiding and teaching them the emotional and physical tools required to be fully present in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
What can I expect once I have hired you?
Once the contract has been signed and the agreed upon deposit has been paid, you will receive continuous guidance and support based on your specific needs. I agree to provide information and education to you and your chosen support person at each prenatal meeting and through each milestone in your pregnancy, birth, and/or postpartum but to also listen so my care is tailored to your needs. I will be an unbiased resource and provide up to date/evidence-based information and will help you and your chosen support person work through any fears, concerns or self-doubts you may have. I will provide hands-on comfort measures through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum and help you learn how you can be a strong advocate for yourself and your baby. With my gentle care and guidance, I hope to set you up to attain clarity, acceptance, and peace not just in your birth story but in life for the following years to come as you navigate the labyrinth of parenthood.
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During each prenatal visit we will work through the changes you may be experiencing during your pregnancy, discuss options you have for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We will discuss your birth preferences and learn how to feel empowered in your choices at each stage. I will use my training to provide body balancing, and other preparations that support physiological birth. I promise to provide a safe space for you to discuss any fears or concerns you have so we may work through them together. Each family receives individualized care because each journey is unique for every family. The ultimate goal of each prenatal visit is to create a deep relationship as a team, as well as to recognize and work towards balancing the physical, emotional, and educational needs of your family.
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Whether it is debriefing the events of your birth, assisting with nursing or bottle feeding, holding and tending to baby, helping with basic newborn care, tending to older children while you focus on baby, doing light housekeeping, or recommending you to local and qualified specialists for your needs, I am there for you. We are not meant to raise children alone, it takes an entire village and a whole lot of love and you deserve that in your postpartum care.
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Yes! I do have a network of trusted, like-minded doulas that I can use in the rare event that I am unable to attend your birth. Community is not only important to have in parenting but in other aspects of life as well. I am lucky to be part of an amazing birth worker community and if a back-up doula is needed, I can ensure that they are a trusted and competent replacement.
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Body Ready Method® is based on 5 pillars: Upper Body Mobility, Core, Pelvis, Pelvic Floor and Movement Patterns.
Incorporating these pillars into your movement during pregnancy can help you:
-Have a more efficient birth
-Minimize pregnancy aches and pains¡
-Optimize recovery
-Minimize unnecessary abdominal separation and pelvic floor dysfunction
-Optimize pelvic floor responsiveness
-Work smarter not harder!
As a certified Body Ready Method® Pro:
-I have a deep understanding of how to help you prepare for your desired birth.¡
-I can help you address and minimize pregnancy related aches and pains
-I can support you in experiencing a smooth transition into recovery and postpartum