Support: Four prenatal visits including childbirth education, labor positions, breathing exercises, 45-minute aromatherapy massage, development of birth plan, relaxation exercises, etc., accompaniment to a midwife/doctor visit, continuous labor support, breastfeeding support and postpartum support, including newborn care, massage, light housekeeping, etc..
Services: Continuous labor support, including assisting with determining when to leave for the hospital, massage, aromatherapy, guided imagery, relaxation exercises, positioning advice and support, providing the “niceties” such as candles, massage tools, rice packs, food, etc., emotional support, explanations of hospital equipment, running errands such as getting warm blankets, ice, food, etc., photography and videography, use of a T.E.N.S. Unit.
Amenities: Free Birth Ball, (a $25 Value!), Free Aromatherapy Rice Sock, Free Access to the Lending Library of Over 50 Pregnancy and Baby Books, The Doula Will Create a Personal Mix of Your Favorite Music For Your Birth on the Doula’s iPod, Free Use of the T.E.N.S. Unit
EDUCATION:
I graduated from NAU in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in women’s studies. I am currently a student midwife, and am certified in Level One Reiki Therapy. I am certified by DONA and have taken the preparatory class for Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) for Childbirth Education Certification. I am pursuing a second doula certification through NHBS. I belong to The Arizona Midwifery Institute, ADOBE, Nurturing Hearts Birth Services and Supported Birth of Arizona. I am certified in T.E.N.S. Unit Placement and Operation for Labor and Childbirth.
EXPERIENCE:
I have experienced my own unmedicated birth attended by a doula and midwife at Bethany Birth Center. I am experienced in the support of hospital births, birth center births and home births, including support of Bradley Method Couples, HypnoBirthing , Lamaze, VBAC, Twins, and Water Births. I have been performing doula services since October of 2005.
BIRTH PHILOSOPHY:
I view pregnancy and birth as healthful and beautiful life experiences. I believe that the thing most important to ensuring that a mom has a birth she will remember fondly is her feeling of being supported 100% in whatever decisions she makes or actions she takes. I feel that my role as a doula is to empower moms in this most momentous time. Whether it be dancing with mom to get her back into the rhythm of labor or getting Dad a snack so he can reenergize and be there for mom, my goal is to provide continuous, unconditional support. Leigh, Iana and I are continually amazed at the beauty and wisdom of birth.