Wave Within Birth
An emotional and physical support system for families entering or repeating parenthood.
What is a Doula?
A doula is professionally trained and provides evidence based information, unbiased education, emotional and physical support for you and your partner during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that every birthing woman should have a doula for a better birth outcome. A doula offers pain management techniques, reassurance and advocacy in the labor room.
Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes:
"Expectant mothers matched with a doula had better birth outcomes. Doula-assisted mothers were four times less likely to have a low birth weight (LBW) baby, two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding."
The Journal of Perinatal Education
Edited by: Wendy C. Budin, PhD, RN-BC, FAAN, Judith A. Lothian, PhD, RN, LCCE, FACCE
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My Story
Because I was born in a different country, when I became pregnant for the first time in 2016, I found myself very curious about the USA laboring and birthing system, and had many questions needing answers. What is a low/high risk pregnancy? What is a natural birth? What is the c-section rate in my state? Who are the care providers that will support me in the birth I desire to have? How can my husband be involved and supportive? What is baby blues? Is breastfeeding important? I could never get enough information about my body and baby! But becoming a mother is like being on a rollercoaster of emotions and information... It can be overwhelming.
During the pandemic, when isolation hit and help was needed the most, I started to more intentionally support women in their journey through pregnancies and births. Feeling a connection and trusting your doula to be by your side along the path that your birth takes is very important. I am here to guide parents through a life-changing experience, to inspire them to believe in themselves and to trust their body.
Having a doula by your side isn't a sign of weakness or a luxury, everyone needs a doula! A doula provides emotional and physical support that is essential to the families' well-being. The physical changes and emotional journey from pregnancy to being a parent...is hard work! Whether it is the family's first or third child, a doula provides comfort throughout this deeply transformative phase. A doula is here to keep that great tradition of service, so mothers/parents can continue to feel safe at their birth's location.
Families need to feel at ease with their doula. A doula is here for personal care, midwives and doctors are here for medical care. It is important to understand the difference and feel that families can be themselves with their doula - open, vulnerable and simply human.
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My message to you
As your doula, I respect you and your choices.
I am a resource for you and your needs.
I wish for you to feel heard, supported, educated, dignified and empowered.
I am here to help you find your voice, reflect it, and support you in the birth you wish to have, whether it is medicated, unmedicated, or planning for a cesarean section. The more confident you are about the choices you make, the more powerful you feel about your birthing and parenting experience.
There is no one right way to be pregnant, labor, birth or parent your child.
I am here to serve you and not steer you.
I believe in you.
I am here for you.
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My services
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Free initial in person consultation with you (and your husband/partner).
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Resources, continuous information and unlimited contact for the duration of your pregnancy via phone/e-mail.
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2 prenatal visits in the comfort of your home, including but not limited to: preparation and help defining your birth preferences, discussion of choices in childbirth, possible birth plan, comfort measures and coping methods, risks/benefits of various choices and procedures, and discussion of postpartum adjustment and expectations.
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On-call 24/7 starting at 37 Weeks.
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In person Birth Day labor support at your birth place, usually from when labor is active.
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Immediate postpartum support of 1-2 hours after baby is born, including initial breastfeeding assistance, as necessary.
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Continuous postpartum support via phone/email.
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1 Postpartum follow up visit at your home, including baby feeding support, newborn sleep information, postnatal assessment, overall wellbeing, guidance and referrals.
