Your Journey Has Begun
“Mothers need to know that their care and their choices won’t be compromised by birth politics.” ~Jennifer Rosenberg
Who I am
Welcome to Beautiful Birth Services. I hope you find what you are looking for here or at least get some questions answered to help you on your way. Every birth is different and every birth is a learning experience. A woman grows so much through her birth experience and I hope to help you on that path. I believe that every woman should have a Doula if she wants one. I am a certified Doula and have attended multiple births in various settings including home, hospital and birth center. I also volunteer at the Women's Health and Birth Center in Santa Rosa and am a student Midwife. I have 4 children of my own and have given birth in both a hospital and at home.
So, if you don't deliver babies, what do you do?
This is the Million Dollar question. There are lots of ways to answer this but the simplest one is this. I do whatever you need me to. "Doula" comes from the Greek and means "Woman who serves" and I think that this all encompassing definition is perfect. I serve by providing a calm, reassuring presence as well as pain management like hot/cold therapy, counter pressure, visualizations, and positioning to facilitate a productive labor and delivery. I am also an information resource, hospital liaison, breathing coach, and relief for your partner. My primary role is as Birth Attendant and by asking you to define what that looks like ensures the best results for your birth.
What if I don't know what I want or need yet?
That's okay! It's actually part of the process we will be doing during your prenatal visits. Prior to your first visit you fill out a questionnaire (nothing too hard and no math questions I promise!) then during our initial visit we use that form to start building a birth plan, outlining a strategy, and defining roles for all persons involved.
What are the Benefits of having a Doula?
The Medical Leadership Council of Washington, D.C, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and the World Health Organization are among the many healthcare organizations that value the benefits that doulas provide to women in labor. Studies show that when doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies. Recent evidence also suggests that when a doula provides labor support, women are more satisfied with their experience and the mother-infant interaction is enhanced as long as two months after the birth.