Birth Services | nurturingroots

BIRTH DOULA CARE

What is a Birth Doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
Stays with the woman throughout the labor
Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

My Journey as a Birth Doula

I have been a birth doula in the bay area for almost 6 years now and love the work I get to do. I started my path as a birth doula after deciding to pursue my future in the natural health field, with plans to eventually become a midwife. As I was looking into the birthing world, I felt the role of a doula was perfect for me as I continue to further my knowledge and experience around childbirth. I have babysat little ones since I was 12 years old and have always loved babies, bellies, and the amazing ability of the female body to transformation for the birth of her child. After witnessing my best friends beautiful birth when I was only 17, I was amazed and the birthing world has continued to inspire me since.

I got my first experience as a birth doula at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center through their volunteer doula program after my DONA training in January 2013. This experience was priceless but I felt I wanted to have a more personal relationship with my clients before meeting them on the day of the birth. I then set out in my own practice as an independent doula, after gaining some experience. I have supported 33 families to date, and work with about 1 family every month or two. Each birth is so different and so beautiful in their own way.

I then fulfilled my interest in massage therapy by attending McKinnon BTC in Oakland, CA in 2014. The school was a perfect match for my learning style and I fully enjoyed the knowledge and skills gained from my time there. I focused mostly on Swedish style massage, assisting the body with circulation and relaxation. I also gained a background in prenatal massage as well as reflexology and elder massage to further enhance my ability to comfort my clients.

I received my DONA certification in late 2014 and also began my journey as a postpartum doula with training from Ann Grauer at the same time. I look forward to continuing to support families during such a special time of life as well as continually grow as a birth worker through the experiences and knowledge I am grateful to be around.