All About Me

I am a wife, mother, daughter, friend and I am a Christian above all. My two beautiful children make my life very interesting and filled with love. Their birth experiences were completely different, but both amazing, and the reason I became a doula. My dream is to see mamas and papas completely supported and loved throughout their transition into this new place in life. Birth is transforming, and I wish every parent to know a fully empowered birth experience.


I am both a birth and postpartum doula. I attend both hospital and home births in all of Northern Arizona including Cottonwood, Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott and Prescott Valley. I have been certified for one year with Blessed Expectations Birth Services. I am DONA trained in lactation and will hold a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor certificate after this summer. I have attended 6 births.

As a birth doula, I meet with you 3 times before the birth. The initial consultation is free of charge. The second meeting is to talk over your birth plan. The third meeting is the relaxation meeting at your home where we go over relaxation scripts and I give you a foot massage. I have many ideas for initiating labor or to just distract yourself when you are overdue or ready for baby to come. When it is birth day, I meet you at your place of birth and stay with you until 2 hours postpartum or until mom and baby are resting and breastfeeding. I can help with the initial breastfeeding. A few weeks after birth day, I come to your home and meet with you postpartum, going over what happened on your birth day and making sure you are settling in to this new family successfully.

My passion is for VBAC moms, since I am a VBAC mom myself. I also love to work with repeat clients, teen moms, and people needing special help. I would love to talk to you about the birth of your dreams, and how I can come alongside you to help you achieve your dream. This is YOUR body, YOUR baby, and YOUR birth. You are in control.
As a postpartum doula, I come into your home a few days after your baby is born and you’ve had a few days to adjust. We meet before your due date to go over what you would like help with after baby is born. My duties include light meal preparation, light housekeeping, caring for other siblings, and holding baby while mom gets needed rest or shower. I believe the first month postpartum is your Babymoon and you should be Queen!

I wish to come alongside you and help make your birth and postpartum sweet!

Postpartum Bath Herb Recipe

Postpartum Bath Herbs can be used in your bathtub immediately after delivery. These herbs will aid in postpartum healing. Here's the recipe I use and give to my doula clients at our postpartum visit.

Handful of calendula
Handful of chamomile
Handful of chickweed
About 1 cupful of pink/grey sea salt
Wrap in cheese cloth cut to size
 Tie with pretty bow

Place whole bag of herbs in a warm bath. Baby can enjoy bath with you! Have someone checking you to make sure you are safe while bathing shortly after birth. Love!

My Favorite Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

And I've tried them all! This is organic, smooth and very sippable. The others I've tried tend to be somewhat bitter unless you add a ton of honey or other sweetner. It comes loose leaf, so you will have to figure out a way to sift it out or I use a special tea spoon that scoops the tea, allows it to brew quietly in your cup, and then easily pull the spoon out with none of those floaty little leaves swimming around. Delicious with a bit of raw honey! Good for women of all ages, and especially good for blooming mamas preparing for birth. Great to drink while in labor.
http://www.compleatmother.com/tea_company.htm

My VBAC birth story

I was due October 28th with little girl B. My doctors were not in a hurry to rush things along, they were so patient with me and my overbaked little bundle. I lost my mucus plug Sunday and Monday. Monday I had a doctor's appointment, and I was pretty sure she was going to send me straight to the hospital. I was only 2 cm dilated at the appointment, so I went home.


Tuesday November 4th was a regular day. I felt absolutely wonderful because I got a great night's sleep the night before. Thank goodness, because I would not have been able to do all the hard work my body was getting ready for. Justin came home from work a little early that day. He trimmed a tree in our backyard, and I got dinner cooking. We ate dinner (little did I know this was the last thing I would eat until Thursday morning!!!) and then we ran errands. We got a car wash, got gas, went to Walmart for diapers. I even got to indulge and get a pedicure at the nail place in Walmart!! It was a spur of the moment thing.

When we got home, we were just hanging out. It was getting so late- way past Eli's bedtime. Then I felt the contraction. I told Justin to take his sub plans back to work because we were leaving for Phoenix. He was gone about a half an hour. My contractions were coming about 10 minutes apart, 45-55 seconds long. We got everyone in the car and started our trek to the hospital about an hour and 45 minutes away. Justin was driving so carefully- if I had been in any harder labor I would not have wanted him to drive that way.

I called my doula to tell her to meet us at the hospital. She was surprised because she thought we would meet at my mom's and I would labor there until the last possible moment. I was too scared!! When we got to the emergency room, it was about midnight. My dear mom came and picked Eli up and give me a quick hug of encouragement. They wheeled me through the hospital back to OB triage. Jen (our doula) met us there and immediately she knew this was the real thing. She started working on breathing right away. I had to sign some dumb paperwork and my hands weren't even working, so I felt really stupid. I also told the nurse I was going to wear my own clothes and not the stupid gown, so I was definitely making my requests known and my presence felt. I don't know how long I was in triage, but it felt like an eternity. I just wanted to get back to my own room where it could be private. The nurse in triage checked me, and I was only dilated to 4cm. I kept saying how I wish I hadn't eaten so much dinner, and then I threw it all up.

When I finally was assigned a room, the real work began. Jen got a heating pad for my back, and did hip squeezes which really helped relieve my back pain. I also walked the halls for a few minutes until I felt like I wouldn't make it back to my room. I got in the hot shower, and that worked well for a while. My doula also had scented oils she rubbed my feet with, and had a little candle burning to help make the mood in the room one of peace.

The back pain was mostly from the baby being posterior. My chiropractor had helped me turn the baby, but she just wanted to lie pretty much sideways in there. To try and turn her, I did lunges, which is known to help rotate baby so that they can come out facing down and not up. From Eli and Abbey's births, I know that I must carry my babies posterior.

I dilated to a 6 by 8am. I was doing pretty good and handling each contraction as it came, but the back pain would not let up. Between contractions, I had a little break, but there was no break to the back pain. So at 9am I opted to have an epidural. First I had to have an IV, which took them 4 tries to get in. The anesthesiologist took 2 tries to get my epidural right. Urgh!! But I felt sooooo much better... I could finally relax.

At lunchtime, I was only dilated to a 7. Dr. Thompson came and checked on me and we decided together to break my water. We thought that would engage the head and work my cervix a little more. I kept visualizing my cervix opening and the baby coming out. At 5pm, Dr. Johnstone came and asked me if I had had enough, if I just wanted a c section or if I wanted to start a small drip of pitocin (a labor strengthening drug) to see if things could progress. I opted for pitocin because I wanted to give myself another chance at a vaginal delivery. So they started at a 2 with the pitocin, and only got up to 14 because I was finally fully dilated and effaced and baby at a +2 station at 10 pm. They called Dr. Johnstone back because I was ready to push!!!!

My doula had suggested laboring down, which means giving the baby a chance to come down even further and the uterus work without me having to do anything. Well, I wasn't given that option by the doctors or the nurses. Dr. Johnstone said she would give me 2 hours to push, and if nothing happened, they would do a c section. They backed off on the epidural so I could feel more pressure and heat. At first, I had no idea how to push, but I got the hang of it. It was really hard pushing and not being able to breathe very much between pushes.

Justin, Jen, the nurse (who herself had had a VBAC), and Dr. johnstone were doing a great job of coaching me and encouraging me. They could see Abbey's hair and said it was long enough to braid! The nurse even told me to feel her head down there. That was so encouraging for me. But after 2 hours of pushing, I wasn't getting very far and the baby's head was not coming down with each contraction and push. I kept telling the doctor to give me just a little longer, that I could do it. Contractions were coming so hard that I could feel the urge before the monitors even knew. I wanted to push 4 times through each contraction instead of the 3 they were making me do. I was starting to take charge of myself!! It felt so good!!!

Dr. Johnstone stepped out of the room to call and check on another laboring mama at another hospital. While she was gone I gave the hardest pushes I could. Justin was yelling at me to "Get that baby out!" When the pushing counting was over, and everyone was silent, there was this moment in time when everything changed. All of us heard a loud snap, and Abbey's head moved forward and almost out. That snap was my tailbone breaking!! It was in the way for her head to come through.

The most amazing moments followed that snap. The room turned into chaos! The nurse yelled for the doctor and more nurses. The doctor frantically got her delivery scrubs on and delivery tools were made ready. Someone rolled a huge mirror so I could see the birth take place. The doctor noted how she could see the baby turning in the birth canal. So even with a posterior baby, they can change position as they are born! With only around 3 more pushes, Abbey's head came out. The rest was so easy, I think her body just came sliding out with ease and with the doctor slightly pulling.

It felt INCREDIBLE to push my baby out. They placed her right on my chest the moment she was born. I could not believe that this huge thing made it through there. I DID it, when not a lot of doctors believed I could. Justin was just absolutely beaming with pride and he couldn't stop saying how great I did and how much he loved me. He even got to cut the cord! Jen kept saying how no one could take that experience away from me.

After 24 hours of labor, with 2.5 of those being pushing stage, I pushed my daughter into this world. I have no idea how my body had the strength to do it. All I know is that I asked the Lord to give me the gift of a vaginal birth with a healthy baby and mama and HE did it.

Relaxation techniques for a happy, healthy pregnancy

 Massage- hand, foot, whole body~ by professional or by your partner

 Deep Breathing- breathe in and out deeply and calmly.

 Visualizing yourself in a tranquil setting (i.e. warm sandy beach, cool quiet forest, sitting under a tree in a park, or somewhere you have happy memories.) Sometimes a picture or photograph helps get your imagination started.

 Stretching and walking~ light exercise and stretching can help relive tension and stress.

 Aromatherapy. Safe essential oil scents for pregnancy include: rose, lavender, neroli, jasmine, ylang- 
ylang and chamomile

 Music~ listening to your favorite music, piano, or nature sounds

 Drink plenty of water your body weight divided by 2 in ounces everyday

 Get adequate nutrition for your growing baby

 Talk it over with friends, loved ones, anyone who will listen

 Reduce your workload~ eliminate some of the things on your to-do list

 Get plenty of sleep

What I wish new mamas and papas knew...

A first time, American mom gestates for 41 weeks +1 day.


Most doctors will start getting nervous at your 40 week appointment, or even before. They will say the baby is sumo sized or bring out the “dead baby” card to scare you into induction.

Obstetricians are trained surgeons.

The Cesarean section rate in the U.S. is 33%, and growing. That means 1 in 3 women will end up with a cesarean.

There are more than 40 countries where birth is safer than in the U.S.

That induction of labor is only a medical necessity if mother is ill, baby is ill or 42 weeks gestated are completed.

If they schedule your induction or cesarean, you are not obligated to show up.

Nutrition has a huge impact on prenatal wellness and birth outcomes.

Hospitals treat new mothers like a sick patient.

Nurses aren’t continuously supporting you; there is a high possibility that you will experience at least one shift change.

You don't have to undergo routine pelvic exams, you can keep your pants on!

That hospital gown they give you at check in? You DON'T have to wear it! You can wear your own clothes!

Postpartum depression can happen to anyone, and there are many ways to help you understand before and cope after the birth.

You can change care providers at any time during your pregnancy, and even during labor!

YOU are in charge of your birth! This journey is YOUR own!

New Birth Centers in Phoenix

A few months back, I had the pleasure of touring two of the new birth centers in Phoenix, Blossom Birth Center and Babymoon Inn. I just get tickled thinking of these hideaways for birthing mamas. How I love the idea of birthing outside of a hospital and outside of your home. Both places tend to demand from us more than we can give during birth. Hospitals demand us to follow their rules; our homes tend to demand our constant attention and care. If you feel these pressures, a birth center is a warm, comfortable place to bring your child into the world.
If you desire care from the team at Blossom, you can meet with anyone of their team, including a medical doctor or midwife. Their care integrates a holistic approach to pregnancy care and they desire the family to be in control of their birth. As an expecting parent, you are encouraged to use acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, herbalism, and more to make your pregnancy, birth and postpartum flourish. There are many rooms for laboring mamas, most with Jacuzzi tubs. A full kitchen is available for cooking whatever mama needs to energize her birth. Blossom birth center is located a hop, skip and a jump away from Phoenix Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital should more intensive care be needed. The Milk Spot offers lactation education for mamas who are experiencing trouble with breastfeeding or want to know why breast is best. I was able to sit and chat with Nichelle Whitehead, the medical doctor who transferred her practice to Blossom birth center. This is the only birth center that offers care from a medical doctor.
The Babymoon Inn is a free standing birth center in north central Phoenix. This old little house welcomes you with a courtyard and garden outside. Only one laboring family can use the home at one time. There are two bedrooms (one with a gigantic Jacuzzi tub), a large spacious bathroom, and another bathroom with large shower. Families can also enjoy a cozy living area and full kitchen for cooking up delicious goodies to keep everyone going during a long labor. Babymoon Inn was a dream turned reality for Shell Walker, LM, CPM. If an emergency pops up, St. Joseph’s hospital, Good Sam or Phoenix Baptist are an easy transfer. I was able to sit and talk with Julia Ryerson, one of the founders of this beautiful little place. I know that this place will bless many mamas and welcome many beautiful little souls into the world.
Women’s Birth and Wellness Center is the newest birth center on the block. I look forward to touring this center in March as this is the only birth center that will accept VBAC patients. The other birth centers will only take low risk pregnancies. More to come on this one!

Birth as a Rite of Passage

Birth is a life changing powerful event that permanently changes a woman forever. It’s a rite of passage. Every woman should be empowered by her birth experience, and that is why I became a doula. I want to sit and listen to a mother’s ideas about how she wants to birth, and I want to help her achieve the birth of her dreams. Even if it doesn’t turn out exactly how she wanted, I want her to come away knowing she was empowered, educated, and had complete control over her birth.


Please forgive me if I get a little emotional here. I love birth. I love being present with moms who give birth. And when I am with a mom giving birth in a hospital, I feel so sad for the way that birth has become in America. I honestly feel that we, collectively as a society, have forgotten that birth is a natural event. Even the pain can be honored. Isn’t there a saying that what doesn’t break you makes you stronger? That’s what we’ve forgotten here in America.

My midwife told me to study up on Robbie Davis Floyd. You should too. She is a cultural anthropologist who studies the way we give birth. The symbolism she gives for American birth compared to other cultures is really eye opening. When I first considered her research and wonderings about how doctors and hospitals perform rituals during the birth rite of passage it all became clear to me. I was engrained with beliefs and values about birth that I didn’t even know I had.

Maybe some women need these rituals during their first rite of passage into motherhood. Maybe we’ve become so entreched with the idea that a hospital is the normal, safe place to birth that we must have these things in order to feel that we have arrived on the other side. Maybe we need the comfort of going to the hospital when we are in labor, wheeled back to labor and delivery like we are sick; poked, prodded, checked for every thing wrong. Maybe we think we are. We aren’t allowed to eat or drink in the event of surgery. Maybe we like the glamour and excitement that comes with being in a hospital.

I know I definitely felt like this when I gave birth to my first child. I then fleetingly considered a home birth, but was told by many people that it was completely unsafe for my first birth. Looking back, I kick myself. I gave in to the rituals that made my birth turn into a train wreck. It was completely unsafe for me to go to the hospital and trust that they had my best interests at heart.

Thankfully, even though my second birth was another hospital birth, I was completely in control. My next birth will be the birth of my dreams, coming full circle back to the home birth I wanted with my first.

What scares you about birth? Being in pain? Being out of control? Saying or doing something that you would regret? Dying? Your baby dying? I encourage you to explore these ideas and take them where they will go. You might be surprised at what you discover about yourself.

Verde Valley Birth and Parenting Resources

Professional Referral List- Pregnancy, Birth, Parenting Resources



Crisis Pregnancy Centers

House of Ruth CPC (Cottonwood) 928-634-0212

Community Pregnancy Center (Prescott) 928-778-7654


Chiropractor

(PHX)Jenny Dubisar-Brost 480-200-6679

(Cottonwood) Verde Chiropractic- Dr. Blaine Upham 928-639-1700



Chinese Medicine- Acupuncture

(Sedona) Katherine Stewart 254-1872

(Cottonwood) Kathy Fisher 928-634-1407

(Clarkdale) Bob Stagnitto 928-639-1648


Midwives

(Flagstaff and No Az)Womancare Midwifery 928-779-6064

(Prescott and Verde Valley)Paula Matthew 928-776-8033 midwife4az@yahoo.com

(All of No AZ)Red Rock Midwifery- Maryn Leister- 221-6761or 649-1340 redrockmidwifery.com

Stephanie Purinton, CNM 928-649-7899 myazmidwife.com

Melody Fisher 928-636-5865

Meg Bohrman 928-533-0592

Karen Alexander 928-848-4908

Dani Atlas 928-308-9656

Christa Okerlund (Prescott Area)

(Phx) Shell Walker 602-242-4446

(East Valley) Stephanie Soderblom 480-659-4162

(East Valley) Alison Haasch (602) 663-0631

(East Valley) Farrah Swan, ND (480) 820-0911


Doulas

WOMBS.org

Lindsay Brereton, Birth and Postpartum Doula 928-451-9224, lindsaybrereton@yahoo.com

Briana Shires brianashires@gmail.com

Gigi Suarez, 801-528-1295

Laura Nyman, 949-395-2332

Golden Pregnancy-Childbirth Resource, Doula, Birth Art www.goldenpregnancy.com

Circle of Women-Birth and PostPartum Doula Services-Katie Silva

(928)451-0431 (928)451-0431 wildflowerherbals@yahoo.com


OB/GYNs

Dr. Charles Rolle 928-639-5577

Dr. John French, Stephanie Purinton CNM 928- 649-7899

A Center for Women, Dr. Reed and Mychelle Owen 928-634-2015

Dr. Robert Jochim 928-634-5513



Breastfeeding

La Leche League Cottonwood 928-451-2666

La Leche League Flagstaff 928-714-1616

VVMC Lactation Consultant 928-639-6520

East Yavapai Breastfeeding Coalition 928-639-6662


Pregnancy/Infant Massage

(Cottonwood) Rhonda Koeppe 646-0224 she will come to your home

(Cottonwood) Liz Koehl 928-274-1940

(Sedona and Flagstaff) Maxine Jacobs- 520-331-6653

(Prescott) Serenity Lord 928-848-1046

(Cottonwood)Infant Massage Classes-Olga Morris (928)634-7470 (928)634-7470 x207



Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Support International 888-434-MOMS (6667)

Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Group 928-639-6157

Pregnancy RISKLINE 888-285-3410

Someone to talk to- Social Worker 928-639-5262

Verde Valley Guidance Clinic 24 hours a day 928-634-2236

Birth to Five Helpline 1-877-705-5437

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233


Grief/Loss of a Child

Compassionate Friends Support Group- Kristina 928-639-4720

MISS Foundation missfoundation.org

SHARE pregnancy and infant loss support 800-821-6819

NILMDTS- heirloom photography nowilaymedowntosleep.org


Education

VVMC Marilyn Mathe Healthy Babies 928-639-6597

VVMC Childbirth Education 928-639-6437

HypnoBirthing.com Zoe Ruff Sedona 928-282-2160

Art:

Imagine Art-Paint your own ceramics-Linda Damita (928)282-4236 (928)282-4236

Nancy Latanzzi-Home Studio Classes for ages 4-12 (928)282-4472 (928)282-4472

Tina Schneider-Art classes for ages 3 & up at Imagine Art (928)567-6653 (928)567-6653

tina@bytina.com


Childcare

Carla E. Tarufelli offering Nanny services for over 25 years (928)634-0146 (928)634-0146 damnsam@q.com



Classes/Lessons/Programs Misc.

Camp Soaring Eagle-”Where children with serious illnesses discover the healing power of laughter.” (928)284-9393 (928)284-9393 www.CampSoaringEagle.org

Mommy and Me Postnatal YOGA classes 928-646-0148

KinderMusik with Miss Kelly Prescott area 928-830-7942 www.kindermusikwithmisskelly.com

Cottonwood Public Library Family Story Time 10am Thursdays 928-634-7559

Goof & Giggle-Where laughter and learning collide

(928)301-7339 (928)301-7339 sharen@goofandgiggle.com

Horseback Riding Lessons for Kids Future Hope Equestrian www.futurehopeequestrian.com

Shaolin Kung Fu for Kids-Marco (928)399-0429 (928)399-0429

Yo-Yo Classes-Magical Michael Steele (928)634-7985 (928)634-7985

Young Voices Be Heard-The Power of Spoken Word

www.yvbh.org



Day Care/Preschool

Bright Futures Childcare (Buena Vista Children’s Services) (928)646-5200 (928)646-5200

Buena Vista Preschool (928)646-5200 (928)646-5200

Discovery Connection (Buena Vista Children’s Services) (928)646-5200 (928)646-5200 Free to Be Me-Family Day Caring Center-Pam Shea (928)203-4063 (928)203-4063

Red Earth Waldorf-Charity Cygal (928)204-1221 (928)204-1221



Education

Verde Valley Christian School 928-634-8113

Camp Verde United Christian School 928-567-0415

Center for Creative Education Montessori (928)634-3288 (928)634-3288

Desert Star Community School (928)282-0171 (928)282-0171

http://www.desertstarschool.org/



Face Painting

Painting You-by Christie (928)254-0617 (928)254-0617 paintingyou@gmail.com

Tina Schneider (928)567-6653 (928)567-6653 tina@bytina.com



Family Counseling

Carolyn R. Moore, LCSW (928)300-4539 (928)300-4539

Pediatric Medical Care:

Hope Geller-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (928)203-9197 (928)203-9197

Julie Leader- PNP 928-634-1614



Mentoring

SEEDS-Mentoring program for teen girls-Holly (928)300-4452 (928)300-4452 http://www.sedonaseeds.com/

YoungLives Dana Schlegel


Music

Allegro Music Studio-Piano Lessons (928)284-4774 (928)284-4774 www.AllegroMusicStudio.com

David Mills-Piano Lessons: all ages, all levels, all styles. (928)284-1732 (928)284-1732

Esther Vandecar-Taiko Drumming (602)528-3490 (602)528-3490 esther@taikoaz.com

Music for Tots-Early Childhood Music Program-Kelly Cole

(928)202-2787 (928)202-2787 kelly_musicfortots@yahoo.com

Sedona Music Lessons-Guitar Lessons, Voice Lessons, General Music, Performance, Studio Performance and Recording, Coaching and Artist Development. Gary Bettum, Gina Donello 928-204-2359 928-204-2359 sedonamusiclessons.com

Tina Reichow-Drums, Percussion Lessons, Workshop, Performance

(928)202-9863 (928)202-9863 tinareichow@gmail.com


Photography

Jenni Goldman Photographs-Photographing the best things in life: babies, families, weddings and more… (928)301-8385 (928)301-8385 Jenni@JenniGoldman.com

Tammi Lynn Hermann Simply Taken Photography 928-848-4866

Heather Bashman Artistic Creations 928-451-2666


Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting

Arizona’s Children Association www.arizonaschildren.org

Over the Shoulder Baby Holder Baby Carriers-Cindy Wilmer

(928)852-0105 (928)852-0105

Parents as Teachers Program-Arizona Children’s Association (928)443-1991 (928)443-1991 ext. 18

Parenting Information-Rosalie Malter, MA

(817)726-1085 (817)726-1085 RMParentingInfo14@gmail.com

Sedona Hip Mamas & Cool Papas Group

http://www.meetup.com/Hip-Mamas-Cool-Papas/

Sing, Say and Sign-ASL for Parents, Caregivers, Babies and Kids

Cindy Wilmer (928)852-0105 (928)852-0105



Children’s Clothing and Accessories

Peanut Gallery Cottonwood 928-634-6650

Green Monkey Prescott 928-710-4044


Other Resources for Healthy Families

Arizona Department of Economic Security 928-634-7561

Central Arizona Food Bank 928-634-7447 Cottonwood

928-567-4281 Camp Verde

928-282-5121 Sedona

Catholic Charities 928-634-4254

Assists in rent, utilities and food

The Jewell House 928-567-4180

Assists with food and clothing

Bread of Life Missions 928-567-6931

Old Town Mission 928-634-7869

Salvation Army SHARE program 928-634-7447

Utility assistance and gas vouchers

Safe Essential Oils for Pregnancy

I love essential oils in the bath, in the air, in oil. So far, I've learned that these essential oils are safe during pregnancy and postpartum.

Safe Essential Oils for Pregnancy:


Rose, neroli, jasmine, grapefruit, lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile, sweet orange, lemon, peppermint (in small quantities), sandalwood, frankincense.

In my doula practice, I  have a secret combo of essential oils, st john's wort oil and almond carrier oil that I use during my relaxation visit pre birth day, and during labor on mamas feet and back. St. John's wort oil is safe on the skin, but not taken internally.

Please use these with caution, as too much of a good thing is never good. Enjoy creating your own combos for bath or use in carrier oil.

Why Use a Doula?

What is a 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 decision

• 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

A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.

A Postpartum Doula

• Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester

• Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying

• Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary

A postpartum doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials PCD(DONA).

Why use a doula?

DONA International doulas mother the mother

Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.

DONA International doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications

• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience

• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans

• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for

• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

• Have greater success with breastfeeding

• Have greater self-confidence

• Have less postpartum depression

• Have lower incidence of abuse