When I discovered the field of birth support over 5 years ago, I found a niche that would not just be a career for me, but a delight. More recently I have gained experience in postpartum doula work, and I am pleased to be able to offer valuable support during this transitional time for a family, as well.
My goal as a doula is to meet each woman and family where they are and to provide understanding support and practical help -- the kind which assists them in realizing their desires for their family. I support families in the Boulder area and other cities north of Denver.
Background: My work with families in birth support, and family and child care over the years has offered diverse and rewarding opportunities.
I am certified as a birth doula with DONA International. I have provided birth support for about 5 years in all, in both hospital and home settings and in a variety of birth choices.
As a postpartum doula, I draw from a background which includes: a DONA postpartum training, seven plus years of providing infant- and child- care, taking many breastfeeding classes and seminars, and providing follow-up support to my birthing clients in their postpartum time.
Birth support: I view birth as a wondrous process; a journey which unfolds uniquely for each woman. I purpose to learn what my clients desire for their birth, so I can assist them in their goals. I do not replace Dad in his role of supporting Mom. Rather, in my experience, the whole family benefits from the presence and assistance of a doula, and together they make an excellent support team for Mom.
How does this work? I assist the birthing mother and her family by offering information about options and resources and by providing verbal encouragement or coaching and a variety of comfort measures and ideas. These include massage & pressure therapy, positioning & movement, water & heat therapy, and vocalization. Together with her supporters, I help to form the “quiet space” in which a mother can forget everything else and can have her focus where she needs it, in order to flow with the processes at work in the birth of her baby.
Postpartum support: My goal as a postpartum doula is to help make Mom’s recovery easier and the transition for the whole family smoother. Adjusting to life with a new baby can be a wonderful and challenging time for a family. My desire is not to take over the parent’s roles, but to give a family the practical support that refreshes and reassures each one.
What might this look like? Emotional support: a listening ear and reassurance; physical support: help with baby care, encouragement to rest, massage for a sore back; informational support: breastfeeding help, newborn care, and access to resources for both mom and baby; other practical support: tidying, laundry, cooking, (a special interest of mine is simple, nutritional food preparation & ideas).
