Doula is the ancient Greek word that means, “a woman who serves”. Many people now associate the word with a professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and educational support for women throughout pregnancy, labor and just after birth. I am a Certified Rebozo Labor Doula having gotten my Labor Doula certification from Pro Doula and my Rebozo certification from Gena Kirby. I assist women during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum period. I am available to serve women in Putnam, Westchester, Dutchess and Rockland counties of New York and can assist at home births, hospital births and birth centers!
A Rebozo is a woven piece of fabric that can be anywhere from four to nine feet long that women from Mexico have used for a shawl, to carry their babies and as a tool for comfort measures during pregnancy and childbirth. The Rebozo is incredibly versatile and can be used for relaxation, positioning, comfort and as an extension of your partners or doulas arms.
What I will do for you as your doula:
1. I will provide you with physical, emotional and educational support during your pregnancy, labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period.
2. I will help you during labor and childbirth by providing various comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, positioning, movement, aromatherapy, visualization, massage, reassurance and more.
3. I will provide continuous care during your labor and childbirth and not leave your side.
4. I will be on call for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during your pregnancy to answer questions and/or address concerns.
5. I will assist you in creating a Birth Wishes sheet prior to delivery and help facilitate communication between you and your care provider.
6. I will assist you in being informed of your birth choices and help you advocate for yourself.
7. I will help look after your partner as well, but you will be my primary responsibility.
What I will not do for you as your doula:
1. I will not judge you for the decisions that you make.
2. I will not take over the role of your husband or partner.
3. I will not replace your medical team as I am not a medical professional.
4. I will not perform clinical tasks.
5. I will not give you medical advice or diagnose conditions.
6. I will not deliver your baby.
7. I will not leave your side and change shifts with another doula.
Some of the benefits of having a doula include:
- Reduces the rate of Oxytocin (Pitcocin) use
- Reduces the rate of Induction
- Reduces the rate of use of pain medication such as an epidural
- Reduces stress and anxiety during labor
- Reduces the rates of Cesarean Section
- Enables the birthing experience to be more positive
- Reduces stress and anxiety in husbands/partners
Would you like to meet with me to see if we are a good match?
1. Start by contacting me using the form at the bottom of this page with your interest in using me as your labor doula.
2. We will set up a time to meet and get to know one another to see if I am well matched for your needs.
3. Should you choose to hire me we will sign a contract and a fee of $700 will be paid to me via cash or check.
4. Upon completion of our contract and payment I will officially be on the clock for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to call or email me with any questions or concerns.
5. We will schedule another time to meet where I will spend several hours with you and your husband or partner to discuss comfort measures that can be used during pregnancy, labor and childbirth. I will also teach you both how to use the Rebozo. We will also make a Birth Wishes sheet for you to have and to give to your team of medical professionals to have on file.
6. I will be with you throughout your labor, birth and for a few hours during the immediate postpartum period.
7. I will come to your home or the birth center or hospital a few days after the birth of your baby for a follow-up visit.
Additional options:
As a certified Prenatal Kundalini Yoga Teacher, for an additional $150 I can provide for you a personalized yoga and meditation routine for you to practice on your own during your pregnancy. We will meet once to have a private class and go over the routine together from start to finish! There are many benefits to practicing prenatal yoga, visit my prenatal yoga page to learn more!
I look forward to being your Labor Support Doula!
Many Moons Yoga 