"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." - John Kennell, M.D.
Why I am a Birth Doula
Giving birth to my daughters changed my life. The process held so much power, mystery and beauty for me that I decided to become a doula. I learned to trust that each expectant mother already carries within herself the knowledge of how to give birth to her baby. Birthing is a gift to the entire family; it is normal, healthy, and as safe as life gets.
Birth is neither a race nor a competition, but a deeply transformative time for a woman that will affect her for the rest of her life.
For you, there is only your way. I strive to help you create a safe and nurturing environment in which your labor may unfold according to your own rhythm. I understand that your needs are absolutely unique, whether you are expecting your first or your fifth child. My goal is to help you achieve the best birth for your family, and to support your personal preferences and choices. I believe that all birthing women deserve to come out of their birth feeling empowered and strong and ready to be a mother.
How my Doula Services work
The initial interview is always free and without any obligation. If at all possible I really like to meet both parents during this time, because very often expectant fathers have more concerns and questions than the mothers do! Doulas and fathers play very different roles during a birth, and it is important to understand these differences.
Prenatal contact includes two or more visits. I like to get to know the family well, because the better I know a mother’s needs and expectations the more helpful I can be in her labor. In addition, I am available for questions or concerns around the clock, as much or a little as my clients need me. Often, if a mother goes past her due date, she needs extra support to keep her in good spirits - and a good long talk , a foot massage or a backrub can do wonders to brighten her day.
Once labor sets in I usually get an early call from my clients. If a hospital birth is planned I may meet the family at Labor & Delivery, or I am available to spend early labor at home with my clients. I have wonderful memories of these early labor hours, taking the mother for a walk in the nurturing outdoors, getting her into the tub for a soak, letting her rest, or just hanging out and getting excited together about soon holding a brand new baby! At this time partners, too, enjoy some reassurance. Contrary to popular belief early labor can often be surprisingly intense.
As the mother moves deeper into her labor I help facilitate transfer, if a hospital birth is planned – unless we have already been admitted earlier. While the medical care providers at a hospital are responsible for monitoring the mother’s and baby’s well-being, I as the doula have the luxury to simply focus on helping the mother and partner through their labor, one contraction at a time. Techniques I use include massage, suggesting various labor positions, helping the mother to focus when the energy runs high, breathing with her if this is helpful, using the shower or jacuzzi tub for relief, and using Aromatherapy products to help mothers
(and everyone else) relax. I stay for the entire birth, no matter how long it takes; I try to really listen to the mother, explain to her what is happening in her body, and make her feel pampered.
After the birth I stay for at least an hour to help the mother adjust and initiate breastfeeding. For hospital birth clients my first postpartum home visit is usually on the day after the family returns home. This is often the very day when mother’s milk arrives, an important time to get breastfeeding off to a good start. This visit also gives us an opportunity to process the birth, including the aspects that were unexpected or harder to come to terms with. Again, I am available by phone anytime, and will do home visits as needed. The final official postpartum visit comes at around four to six weeks. Sometimes families stay in touch with me, sometimes they move away, sometimes they surprise me with a photo years after the birth. Watching “my” babies grow up is one of the special delights of being a doula!
The initial interview is always free and without any obligation. If at all possible I really like to meet both parents during this time, because very often expectant fathers have more concerns and questions than the mothers do! Doulas and fathers play very different roles during a birth, and it is important to understand these differences.
Prenatal contact includes two or more visits. I like to get to know the family well, because the better I know a mother’s needs and expectations the more helpful I can be in her labor. In addition, I am available for questions or concerns around the clock, as much or a little as my clients need me. Often, if a mother goes past her due date, she needs extra support to keep her in good spirits - and a good long talk , a foot massage or a backrub can do wonders to brighten her day.
Once labor sets in I usually get an early call from my clients. If a hospital birth is planned I may meet the family at Labor & Delivery, or I am available to spend early labor at home with my clients. I have wonderful memories of these early labor hours, taking the mother for a walk in the nurturing outdoors, getting her into the tub for a soak, letting her rest, or just hanging out and getting excited together about soon holding a brand new baby! At this time partners, too, enjoy some reassurance. Contrary to popular belief early labor can often be surprisingly intense.
As the mother moves deeper into her labor I help facilitate transfer, if a hospital birth is planned – unless we have already been admitted earlier. While the medical care providers at a hospital are responsible for monitoring the mother’s and baby’s well-being, I as the doula have the luxury to simply focus on helping the mother and partner through their labor, one contraction at a time. Techniques I use include massage, suggesting various labor positions, helping the mother to focus when the energy runs high, breathing with her if this is helpful, using the shower or jacuzzi tub for relief, and using Aromatherapy products to help mothers
(and everyone else) relax. I stay for the entire birth, no matter how long it takes; I try to really listen to the mother, explain to her what is happening in her body, and make her feel pampered.
After the birth I stay for at least an hour to help the mother adjust and initiate breastfeeding. For hospital birth clients my first postpartum home visit is usually on the day after the family returns home. This is often the very day when mother’s milk arrives, an important time to get breastfeeding off to a good start. This visit also gives us an opportunity to process the birth, including the aspects that were unexpected or harder to come to terms with. Again, I am available by phone anytime, and will do home visits as needed. The final official postpartum visit comes at around four to six weeks. Sometimes families stay in touch with me, sometimes they move away, sometimes they surprise me with a photo years after the birth. Watching “my” babies grow up is one of the special delights of being a doula!
References
I can always put you in contact with families whom I have served in the past. Just ask me at the interview.
My Clients wrote:
“My labor lasted for 18 hours and during that time she [Marianne] was with me and encouraged me that I could deliver my baby naturally.” Jeong, 33, about her first birth.
“Marianne made a huge difference in my birth . . . I felt comfortable and relieved that she was there. My birth would have been devastating without doula service.” Grace, 29, gave birth to her son by cesarean section after many unusual difficulties during labor.
“Marianne was my ‘Rock of Gibraltar’. I felt totally accepted and supported during my daughter’s birth. 3rd birth for me - first with doula. The ONLY birth where I felt that someone was really 'in' my labor with me." Kellie, 39, about her third daughter's birth.