Devoted to the empowerment of women and families through
a supported, healthy and positive birth experience.
As a birth doula, I am trained to give continuous support during childbirth and the initial
postpartum period. I have been practicing as a doula for 17 years. I am also a
certified childbirth educator and DONA (Doulas of North America)-approved doula trainer. Three of my six
children were born with the support of a doula. If I had known about doulas with my first three children, they, too, would have been born with the support of a doula.
My doula service includes at least two prenatal visits that will allow us to get to
know one another and give you the chance to communicate your specific needs. Together
we will design individualized comfort techniques that may include (but not be limited
to) massage, guided imagery, relaxation and breathing techniques, calming music,
emotional and physical support and positive feedback. I am willing to support you in the kind of birth you choose whether it be a home birth, in a hospital or birth center, a natural birth or a medicated birth.
After your baby's arrival, I will be available for breastfeeding consultation and postpartum support during
the first few weeks following childbirth. I will also provide:
- Sensitivity and flexibility to the changing need that occur as labor progresses
- References and resources for books, videos, childbirth classes, etc.
- Skills to enhance communication between families and health care providers
- Support for the immediate and extended family
- Breastfeeding and early parenting education
The benefits of a trained birth doula are:
- Continuous emotional and physical support of the birthing family
- Support of the father, which increases his confidence in his role
- A knowledgeable, accessible resource and advocate
- A 50% reduction in cesarean birth
- A 30% decrease in request for pain medication
- A 25% decrease in the length of labor
- Reduction in medical costs
- Increases breastfeeding success
Use our contact form, send e-mail to
services@thenurturingplace.com,
or call us at (801) 763-7338.
If you have not had the opportunity to interview other doulas, I will give you a list
of names and phone numbers. You may wish to interview each person recommended so you
can find the best fit for your personality. Doulas have various levels of experience
and offer a variety of individual services.
Fees vary depending on services offered. No woman will be denied labor
support because of inability to pay.
When considering a compatible doula, you might consider asking the following
questions:
- What training have you had?
- Tell me (us) about your experience with birth, personally and as a doula.
- What does your service include?
- When do you join women in labor?
- Do you meet with me (us) before the birth to review our birth preferences
and answer questions?
- What unique comfort measures do you offer?
- Do you offer breastfeeding support?
- Do you work with a backup doula? May we meet with her?
- What is your fee?
"During the past two years, I have worked with more than 100 families who
have chosen a doula. They tell me time and again, "We couldn't have done
it without her."
... A hospital Pregnancy Care Coordinator
"Doulas have my full support. They are a definite necessity for most
laboring women. Doulas reassure, comfort, and support, which helps in
relaxation and often shortens labor."
... An obstetrician
"Kristi, I want to memorialize our profound gratitude to you for your kind
support. Sharing such an intimate experience with you somehow brought you
immediately into our deepest heart. Even more so, you helped my wife
accomplish one of her most important personal goals: natural childbirth.
That victory has given her new insights into her own strengths and brought her
that unique confidence and self-esteem that comes only through birth. We thank
you for that."
...A father
"A doula and my family were the most helpful part of labor. Having Kristi
there allowed my husband and me to just be close and feel as though we were
both bringing our baby in to the world."
...A mother
"I believe that a woman can never have too much support. A midwife and
doula can work together to support the birthing family."
...A midwife
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