CREATING A BRAVE SPACE FOR BIRTHING FAMILIES
WELCOME! GLAD YOU ARE HERE.
Congratulations for making your way here to A Doula's Presence.
I am so excited you landed here. It speaks to me that you want to learn more about the value of a Doula's Presence as a maternal support to someone you care deeply about. Yourself or Someone else...
Kudos to you!
Finding a Doula is a big deal. It is a matter of personal bonding. After all, your hand picked doula will share in your story, listen to your hopes, fears, and see you at your most vulnerable. Your personal doula will provide you with a wealth of emotional, physical and informational support essential to help you navigate the path to the birth experience you hope to have.
Although we cannot guarantee birth outcomes, we can work together to create and prepare a birth plan and a postpartum plan. These plans will equip you and empower you, to use your voice, to advocate for yourself and reclaim your power in the birth space. Together with you, your partner (should you have one) and your healthcare provider, we all will work to ensure you are treated with dignity and respect as you enter into the sacred and brave Birth Space of your design.
"The miraculous mystery of this little soul being knit together in a warm, dark and cozy space that only the mother can nourish, is so overwhelming, that the presence of a Doula is absolutely necessary to hold the sanctity, and witness the bravery of the journey." Terry Pinkney, MSP
With Honor and Respect,
Terry Pinkney, MSP
Mom of Six
Full Spectrum Doula
Breastfeeding Educator
Adult/Infant CPR /First Aid
B.A. Psychology
Bebo Mia Inc .(Certifying Doula)
I HAVE A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. WHY DO I NEED A DOULA?
FROM THE ANCIENT GREEK "A WOMAN WHO SERVES"
Now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the pregnant person before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and physical support during the postpartum period.
- You Will Need My Experience and Knowledge. As a resource guide I will help you navigate conflicting pregnancy advice so you can decide what's best for you and baby.
- You Will Need My Presence and Support. A doula's presence can decrease laboring time, lower rates of cesarean births, less use of epidurals and more satisfaction with birth experiences A doula's presence decreases stress. Stress hormones, inhibits contractions and prolongs labor.
- You Will Need My Continuous Support. A doula's presence provides additional support to doctors by providing you with continuous care. A holistic care approach that involves an integrated team of care providers.
- You Will Need Me to Support Your Partner. Oftentimes fear and anxiety causes confusion. A doula's presence affirms, reassures and guides your partner on how to support and assist you throughout your labor journey.
A doula's presence does not replace your partner's important participation in the birth journey.
INFORMATIONAL SUPPORT
- Keeping you and your partner informed about what’s going on through each milestone.
- Giving you all the information around the different topics that can be brought up during prenatal appointments.
- Explaining to you and your partner what’s happening during the stages and phases of labour.
- Helping you find and understand evidence-based information about different options in pregnancy and childbirth.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
- Being a continuous presence so that you both know you and your partner feel cared for.
- Helping provide reassurance and encouragement to see your birth experience positively.
- Accepting whatever birth decisions you make without bias. This is your birth and your journey. I support you.
- Helping you and partner work through your fears and self-doubt to create less stress and anxiety.
- Debriefing after the birth by listening to your thoughts, feelings and helping your transition to Postpartum.
PHYSICAL SUPPORT
- Using or suggesting soothing with touch through the use of massage, counter pressure,
- Assisting with getting a TENS machine in place
- Assisting with water therapy (shower, tub)
- Applying warmth or cold washcloths, or fanning
- Assisting the birthing person in walking to and from the bathroom
- Assisting with the birthers chosen position for pushing
- Giving ice chips, food, and drinks
- Making sure birth is hydrated
- Hands -on breastfeeding/infant feeding support
- Postpartum care for the primary parent