The women of today are so often led to believe, through media, social networking, and even by their own mothers and grandmothers, that birth in and of itself is a medical event that must be managed, and completely carried out by the total reliance on medical interventions, and medical professionals.  Television of America today would have us believe that birth is a traumatic experience to be numbed and/or avoided by any means possible. Because of this very truth, an increasing percentage of women are experiencing "birth" through cesarean section, or under the effects of anesthesia, many of these after chemically augmented labors; labors that are both emotionally and physically exhausting.

     Birth IS one of the most amazing things that a family (no, not just a mother) can experience. It is an empowering event that permanently changes the way that a woman views herself, and it is because of this that women NEED to be educated on the options available to them in the decisions that they and their families have in birth.  This is why women NEED to know their bodies enough before childbirth, to enable them to really listen to their bodies during childbirth. This is also why women need to be properly supported in regaurds to their decisions in pregnancy, and through birth itself. 

     In the 3 key areas that I have just mentioned, the mother and family can make the best desicions based on correct, straightforward, and unbias information. The family can get tremendous satisfaction from the event of birth.  The woman can also feel a remarkable empowerment with being allowed to follow her own body's cues and intuition during childbirth (ie; stand, squat, sit, shower, yell, sing, remove clothing etc...) all bringing her closer to the accomplishment of HER birth, HER way!  The mother can also be incredibly encouraged by the father, who, if he has been informed and involved with the birthing decisions, can set aside any anxieties of his own, to have intimacy with mom through birth.  My favorite thing to say to my clients, is that "it was a quiet intimate moment when this baby was created, and it can be a quiet intimate moment when this baby is welcomed into the world".  A peaceful moment of kissing and embrace, or even passionate "making out", can be just what mom needs to support and love her through this experience. 

     The other part of helpful support for mom, is the presence of other women.  Moms, sisters, friends, who are COMPLETELY supportive of mother and family's decisions for birth. But also the presence of a woman who is educated in birth, and who's whole attention is on the mental, emotional, and physical care of the mother.  A woman who's main focus is on assisting mom in visualizing, believing, and knowing that she can accomplish this beautiful but challenging experience of birth.  This woman may suggest positions, affirmations, breathing and massage techniques, etc.. to aid in the pain relief and progress of the labor experience.  This woman can also "safeguard", in a sence, the intimate moments needed between mom and dad. This woman is also an encourager to dad, and/or other birth attendants, reassuring them while they are comforting mom, and offering them helpful tips in doing so.  This woman is called a DOULA.

     As a massage therapist, doula, and childbirth educator, but also as a mother myself, I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide that support, as needed. I work for you, not for your caregiver. I am invited in from the family directly. I offer my services through home birth as well as in any hospital or birthing center in the area, and will gladly work along side any OBGYN, or midwife chosen by the family as well. On the " Doula Services" page you will find a copy of the contract that I give to, and go over, at first meeting, with anyone who wishes to inquire about the use of my services as their massage therapist and doula through their pregnancy and birth experience.  The first meeting with me is not something that I charge for.  It is a time that you can communicate your birth expectations, and what you would like to have for yourself through the addition of a doula to that experience. This can also be an educational meeting.  A discussion that can help you on your way to having an informed and "educated birth".

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     I hope that, in this home page, you have found what you have been looking for, had some questions answered, but mostly, I hope that you have many more questions, than you had when you found this site.  Educating yourself before your birth is what you should be doing.  kudos to you!!

    I would encourage you to continue to explore this website. Get to know a bit about me and the services my partner and i offer offer. Then please contact me, if you think that I would be someone who you would like to discuss your birth plan with.