SERVICES
About me and the services I offer
PREPARATION, as I educate you prenatally on options for labor and delivery, pregnancy health and nutrition, your anatomy and the birth process, pain management, comfort measures, hospital protocol and newborn procedures, and I will be teaching you exercises to get your body in shape for this athletic event as well as encouraging your muscles to be ready for labor.
RELAXATION, as I will encourage you to be aware of your body and the purpose of helpful hormones and how to best utilize them during pregnancy, labor and delivery, as well as postpartum.
POSITIONAL STRATEGIES , that will encourage baby into the most optimal position for proper dilation, shorter labor and easier delivery.
COMFORT, as I work with you and your body to ease baby into your arms, as well as concern for your partner’s well being.
POSTPARTUM, with visits in your home and guidance as you become the mother that you were created to be.
A bit more about me
I entered into the birth world in 1978. It is not only my job, it is my passion to help women in this precious time of their life by assisting them with their needs, honoring their desires and educating them on their choices. I have home-schooled all eight of my children, from 1982 until 2015 when my youngest became 16 years old and began college.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation with a minor in Special Education. Some of my past experiences include working for the YMCA and Parks and Recreation, teaching educational classes for 16 years, teaching Special Education with a school in Washington, D.C. I have volunteered as a counselor in Pregnancy Centers since 1994 and have been part of Women’s Ministries in my church since 1989. I am certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED. Our family has also run an organic fruit farm before moving to Virginia. I am currently concentrating on being a full time birth doula and postpartum doula, as well as volunteering with The Motherhood Collective and Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center.
Studies have shown that hiring a doula
Brings confidence for the birth parents into the birth room because:
They have been educated from an experienced prenatal educator
They know they will have someone with them during labor and deliver
They have spent time learning pain management skills.
Studies show that having a doula with you during your birth:
Lessens hours of labor by 25%
Lower rate of epidural use 60%
Lower C-section rate by 50%
Lower use of pitocin by 40%
Allows you to have a more satisfying birth experience
Labor Services
I will be available to you 24/7 for 2 weeks prior to your due date and until the baby is born. You are free to call me with concerns or questions at any time during your pregnancy. I will stay with you throughout labor and delivery. I will use massage, acupressure, aromatherapy, positional strategies, counter pressure and encouragement to aid in management of pain and the ability to reach your goals. My role is to be emotional and physical support to you and your family, offering helpful suggestions and aiding in relaxation.
Postpartum Services
On the first postpartum visit, I will help you review your birth story and fill in any “holes” in your labor and delivery. My second postpartum visit is to meet with you and baby after you are settled at home. I will check on your baby’s well-being, Talk about how breastfeeding is going, and your emotional and physical health. I will be available to answer any questions you may have to help you with the transition of having a new baby at home.
Additional Postpartum services are available.
Additional Postpartum services are available.