About Your Doula

I am a certified Christian childbirth educator and labor doula, serving the greater Kansas City area.


I consider it a wonderful blessing to serve you through your pregnancy and birth experiences. It is my hearts desire to bring you closer to Christ's glorious love for you through your unique birth experience.


You do NOT have to be Christian to utilize my services;if you are open to it, however, your faith may be changed through our relationship, and I can assist you with many great resources for new Christian families.


I built a Kansas City Christian resource website, and I'd love for you to visit me there to learn much more about my services: www.kcchristianfamily.ning.com


It was the birth of my first son, in 2003, that became the conduit through which the Holy Spirit prompted my interest in childbirth. Since then, I have taken steps to become a support to others through this most blessed event: After years of self study and research, I became certified as a childbirth educator and labor doula through Cascade, a Christian childbirth organization. Following my certification, I have continued to search for what brings the most comfort to birthing women, and I enjoy offering my clients the trust that comes from owning an insured birthing business.


My clients come from varying faiths and denominations, and regardless of your walk with the Lord, it is my deepest desire to bring you closer to Him.


I am not outcome driven and strongly discourage fear-based tactics in your approach to birth. Instead, we will explore those options that minimize risk to both mom and baby, and that optimize the birth experience for the whole family.

Family Doula

Older Siblings
As a birth professional, I understand that many families are interested in finding ways to involve and educate their older children in the birth process. A few of the favorite ideas my clients have enjoyed include:

--Learning about older sibling classes in the community
--Encouraging the children to draw pictures of the family for mom to hang in the birth room

--Having me support and educate the children who accompany mom in labor--throughout, or until transition



Dads
Doulas do NOT replace dads. There are tremendous benefits to having a doula alongside your husband, including:

--I can perform the back pressure/massage while you enjoy eye contact and bonding with him
--I can refresh his memory of things he learned in the birth class, and give some "on the spot" training, guding him in different comfort measures for you

--I can refill drinks, etc. so your husband can stay with you for uninterrupted support
--I can give your husband a break during a long or intense labor, so he can nap, call relatives with updates, etc.




Extended Family
Well meaning sisters, moms, and mothers-in-law may insist they attend your birth with you, causing an intense conflict and great amount of burden to you, as you consider their stress coping and comforting style, their experience, and even things like reliability and/or transportation problems. Hiring a professional labor attendant (doula) can resolve this conflict, as it eliminates favortism and jealousy. Together, we can create special and personal ways to include extended family members in ways that bring them joy and you peace of mind. Some favorite ideas from my clients include:

--asking special family members to write a letter to the new family, to be read in early labor or shortly after birth
--inviting everyone to the hospital (either during labor or after birth) and then gently telling everyone that you wish to see them in a few weeks, giving you time to adjust as a new family. The nurses will be glad to support you in this discussion as well. There are many unique ideas that can make each member feel appreciated and loved, and I'd be happy to explore these with you.

Doula Services

Antepartum

αΩ access to exclusive client network and infobase: www.christianchildbirthservices.ning.com

αΩ customized birth curriculum

αΩ personalized birth plan to fit your circumstances and goals

αΩ lending library of recommended childbirth books and media

αΩ pregnancy based devotionals

αΩ email and phone support

αΩ available to attend one prenatal office visit with your care provider

αΩ worship CD, great for labor

αΩ on call two weeks prior and after estimated due date


Labor

αΩ use of birth equipment (ball, massage tools, etc.)

αΩ uninterrupted, individual labor support

αΩ experienced labor coach
αΩ communicate options as they may change during labor

αΩ explain interventions and why they may be suggested or needed

αΩ reiterate your birth plans, support your decisions


Postpartum

αΩ initial bonding support (approx. 1 hour)

αΩ photograhy and written account
αΩ in-home follow-up visit, usually 1 week after birth

αΩ optional additional postpartum support

Childbirth Curriculum

Following the initial interview, I will meet with you a varying number of times (generally twice) in your home during your pregnancy. We wil discuss the uniqueness of your pregnancy, your wishes, and how we can best prepare for the birth.


Classes are typically individual and customized, but group classes are available on a limited basis.



Topics covered include:


αΩ Birth and the Bible

αΩ Healthy Pregnancy

αΩ Body Mechanics
αΩ Labor Breathing

αΩ Understanding Interventions

αΩ Dads Role (or other support person)
αΩ Untoward Outcomes

αΩ Older Siblings

αΩ Immediate Postpartum
αΩ Breastfeeding/ Formula Choices and Support


http://www.youtube.com/user/Care4birth

About Your Doula

I am a certified Christian childbirth educator and labor doula, serving the greater Kansas City area.


I consider it a wonderful blessing to serve you through your pregnancy and birth experiences. It is my hearts desire to bring you closer to Christ's glorious love for you through your unique birth experience.


You do NOT have to be Christian to utilize my services;if you are open to it, however, your faith may be changed through our relationship, and I can assist you with many great resources for new Christian families.


I built a Kansas City Christian resource website, and I'd love for you to visit me there to learn much more about my services: www.kcchristianfamily.ning.com


It was the birth of my first son, in 2003, that became the conduit through which the Holy Spirit prompted my interest in childbirth. Since then, I have taken steps to become a support to others through this most blessed event: After years of self study and research, I became certified as a childbirth educator and labor doula through Cascade, a Christian childbirth organization. Following my certification, I have continued to search for what brings the most comfort to birthing women, and I enjoy offering my clients the trust that comes from owning an insured birthing business.


My clients come from varying faiths and denominations, and regardless of your walk with the Lord, it is my deepest desire to bring you closer to Him.


I am not outcome driven and strongly discourage fear-based tactics in your approach to birth. Instead, we will explore those options that minimize risk to both mom and baby, and that optimize the birth experience for the whole family.