Who We Are
We are a diverse group of women, wives, mothers, grandmothers, and sisters, who have a passion to improve maternal health care through education, support, and advocacy. We have gone through extensive training and are prepared to help pregnant and new parents become informed of their options to make the best choices for their health care and that of their babies.
Childbirth Educators:
Independent adjective; from Oxford and Merriam Webster 1. (employment): Not depending on another person for one's opinion or livelihood ~ income or resources 2. (self governing; individual): not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent <an independent conclusion
We are independent childbirth educators. Most teach from their home as hospitals want educators to defer to their policies and procedures rather than from medical research. We give accurate information so that you, as a consumer, can make true and informed decisions about your care and options in pregnancy, labor and birth, and beyond.
We teach natural, normal birth - as it is the least risky mode of childbirth and it's the way our bodies were meant to give birth.
Doulas:Doula (pronounced DOO-LAH) is Greek, meaning women’s servant. Professionally, doulas are recognized as individuals, mostly women, who are there to provide emotional, physical and informational support during the antenatal, birthing and postpartum periods.
We draw on knowledge and experience to provide reassurance and perspective, make suggestions for labor progress, help with relaxation, massage, acupressure, counterpressure, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. Your Doula works for you, not your caregiver or hospital.Numerous clinical studies have found that a Doula's presence at birth generally:
- 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
