Every birth, like every person, is highly unique. Whether you choose a surgical or a vaginal labor; a fully medicated or a non-medicated one: all are valid, beautiful choices. What is important is that you invest time and energy thinking and researching the type of birth that is most conducive to your personality. Birth is one of the most important experiences in your life, and it is an experience that can’t be re-done. As your doula, I am here for you, at every step of the process.
During your pregnancy, I will help you with your questions and concerns, whether they be about how to navigate the maze of information out there on childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes or how to choose a pediatrician that is right for you. During labor, I provide physical and emotional support. In today’s world, a laboring mom will oftentimes go through several nurse shifts and have multiple care providers come in and check on her. A doula is one constant that does not change, someone who is there for you and with you. A doula arrives when you’re in labor and doesn’t leave until she’s helped you establish breastfeeding with your little one. I do not go “off duty.”
I am a trained birth Doula, a memeber of D.O.N.A., and a Certified Yoga Instructor. I completed my Doula training through BINI birth, under the tutelage of Ana Paula Markel. I am a member of the HeadFirst Doulas team, and I often work with Gracefull Birthing. I encourage my clients to engage in pro-active medicine for a positive labor experience: healthy diet, birth visualizations, meditation, breath-awareness exercises, and some form of daily exercise. In addition to walking, swimming, or hiking, I recommend yoga as a means to help you prepare physically, mentally and emotionallly for birth.
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I was inspired to become a doula after giving birth to my daughter at home, which was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I felt strong and in touch with a force of energy far beyond anything else I’d ever felt. Our midwife, Elizabeth Bachner, provided such a deep strong sacred presence. I knew that my birth experience wouldn’t have been the same without her. A few years later, a good friend asked me to doula her birth. After doula’ing that birth, I knew for certain that being a doula was part of my calling.
