11-my own two hands
Welcome
***Please Note: I am on maternity leave from birth doula services until July 2012. I will continue to offer Childbirth Preparation Classes, Birth Plan Consultations, Postpartum Support, and Belly Casting during this time. Thank you for your understanding. XoXo. Congratulations...and Welcome!What is a doula?I am glad you asked! The word 'doula' comes from the ancient Greek meaning 'a woman who serves'. The modern birth doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and family before, during, and after birth.I am very passionate about working with birthing women and their families by providing holistic doula services. I deeply encourage a trust in the woman's inner knowledge of herself, trust in her body's abilities, and trust in the birth process. I also am a firm believer that women need to be knowledgeable consumers of maternity care. I encourage clients to take responsibility for their births, and make informed decisions.This is an amazing time in the life of a woman, her baby, her partner, and their family. I feel very privileged to work with women in creating their best birth experience.I currently offer a range of services to women in Kindersley Saskatchewan and surrounding area. I have worked with women in Kindersley, Brock, Rosetown, Eston, Eatonia, Coleville and other smaller areas. I recommend that women who are interested in doula services contact doulas as early in the pregnancy as possible. This guarantees that you will find the doula who is right for you, secure her, and still have lots of time to get to know her and use her resources. In the early part of the second trimester is ideal. Of course, better late than not at all.~Eileen Roberts, Certified Birth Doula"We are all women on this journey together, helping each other where we are, all moving towards the inherent freedom of birthing in our own bodies, under our own feet, in the place of our choosing, with those we have chosen to attend us." Avril Bowens, CPM
Benefits of a Doula
A doula is a trained labour support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. She absolutely doesn't replace medical caregivers or your birth partner, but rather complements them. We have evidence to prove that doulas do improve birth outcomes.Women supported by a doula during labour have been shown to have:• 50% reduction in Caesarean rate• 25% shorter labour• 60% reduction in epidural requests• 40% reduction in artificial oxytocin use• 30% reduction in analgesic use• 30% reduction in forceps deliverySix weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas experienced:• Less anxiety and depression• More confidence with the baby• More satisfaction with their partnerLong-term benefits include:• Improved breastfeeding• Increased time spent with baby• More positive maternal assessments of baby's personality and health, and maternal competence• Decreased postpartum depressionSource: Mothering the Mother, by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, New York (1993)."Just as a woman's heart knows how to and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth." Virginia di Orio.
Photo Credit-Danyelle Barker
About Me
I am a married mother of three who enjoys living in the middle of nowhere. My first baby was born in hospital with an on-call Obstetrician. My second two were born at home with midwives and doulas. After the birth of my first daughter, I went searching for answers to certain aspects of my birth experience that I felt uncomfortable about. (I discovered that I had not been nearly as educated on birth as what I had thought I was. I simply didn't know what I didn't know.) Part way through this process I met a doula, who introduced me to the idea of doulas, and what they do. After considering education options, I decided I would like to become a doula so I could offer doula services to women in my area.My other passions include home-based education, yoga, reading, bagpipes, gardening, slow-food, cooking, baking, drinking tea, Coronation Street, making herbal skin care products, and anything to do with wool.Education and Training:2007 Aviva Institute, Certified Birth Doula.2007 Aviva Institute, Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. -Still in progress.2010 Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, Level 1.2010 Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki, Level 2- Practitioner Level.2010 CAPPA Canada, Certified Labour Doula (Dual-certification).2010 Birth Arts International, Advanced Women's Herbal & Aromatherapy.-Still in progress.2011 Aviva Institute, Certified Childbirth Educator. Memberships and Affiliations:Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM).Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association of Canada (CAPPA Canada).International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN).La Leche League Canada (LLLC).Midwifery Association of Saskatchewan (MAS).Prairie Birth Collective (PBC)."We have a secret in our culture, and it's not that birth is painful- it's that women are strong." Laura Stavoe Harm.
Birth Doula Services
I offer the following services...Birth Doula Services:*A one hour consult, free of charge, in which we can become better acquainted. During this 'visit' you will discover whether or not I am a good match for you as a doula based on my personality and my level of experience. During this time I will also answer any immediate questions about doulas in general, or about myself specifically. ***This can be either in person, or by phone.If you decide that I am the doula for you then I provide:*A minimum of two prenatal meetings.At these visits we will discuss the physiology of birth, common interventions, talk about comfort measures, build a birth plan, and become better acquainted with each other. While I do have a layout of what is covered, it is very flexible and tailored to your individual needs.***I encourage partners and other support persons to attend these meetings as well.*Access to resource library of books and DVDs.I currently own 5 feet worth of books, and a foot of DVDs!!! You are welcome (and encouraged) to make use of this lending library. :)*Assistance in creating your birth plan.Birth plans are very useful tools for labour, birth, and the postpartum period. I will help you to create your individual plan.*Prenatal support by email, phone, and/ or text.I am available to you by email and/or phone as soon as you decide that I am the doula for you. I can help answer questions, provide you with resources, or just be a listener.*Professional labour support from the time you feel you need me, until usually two hours after birth.From about 38 weeks of pregnancy, I am on-call to you 24/7. I will come to you when you want me (at home or in the hospital) and remain with until after the baby is born.*Help in initiating breastfeeding, and breastfeeding support.While I am not a postpartum doula, I have studied lactation as part of my birth doula course and as part of my midwifery course material. I have also breastfed two babies myself! :)*A minimum of two visits in the postpartum.I will follow up with you after birth to see how you, baby, and family are adjusting.*Postpartum support by email, phone, and/ or text up to 6-weeks postpartum.I am available to you by email and/or phone after birth, as a support. I can help answer questions, provide you with resources, or just be a listener.Fee for Birth Doula Services: $500, paid in instalments.For more information on doula fees, please see the article "Economics of a Doula's Fees".Belly Casting:*Casting of your beautiful belly!Some time between 35-38 weeks of pregnancy, I will come to your house and cast your belly. I recommend that we cast your breasts as well as it gives a better idea of what your body looks like, but it is not a requirement. The cast will stay at your place for about 72 hours. After the drying period, I will pick it up, bring it to my home, sand and fill it for you. I will then return it to you for you to decorate! :) Fee for Belly Casting: $150-200.*Ask me about adding 'belly casting' to your 'birth doula' or' prenatal class' package at a discount!"Attending births is like growing roses. You have to marvel at the ones that just open up and bloom at the first kiss of the sun but you wouldn't dream of pulling open the petals of the tightly closed buds and forcing them to blossom to your time line." Gloria Lemay.Discounts:Round Two (or Three... or Four): Hello Again!If I have been your doula in the past, and you choose to hire me in a subsequent pregnancy, you will receive 10% off doula services (a $50 value).Birth Matters Heartland Members: I can't help but love you!If you are a member of Birth Matters Heartland, and regularly attend meetings, you will receive 10% off doula services (a $50 value).
Childbirth Preparation Classes
Private Childbirth Preparation Classes:*Two prenatal meetings.At these visits (each is a minimum of two hours in length) we will discuss the physiology of birth, common interventions, talk about comfort measures, and start discussion that is necessary to build a birth plan. While I do have a layout of what is covered, it is very flexible and tailored to your individual needs.***I encourage partners and other support persons to attend these meetings as well.*Access to resource library of books and DVDs.I currently own 5 feet worth of books, and a foot of DVDs!!! You are welcome (and encouraged) to make use of this lending library. :)*Assistance in creating your birth plan.Birth plans are very useful tools for labour, birth, and the postpartum period. I will help you to create your individual plan.If you subsequently decide to hire me as your doula, the cost of the private prenatal classes will be deducted from the birth doula fees.Fee for Private Childbirth Preparation Classes: $300.*Ask me about 'group' discounts!
Birth Plan Consultations
Private Birth Plan Consultation:*Consultation and access to resource library and DVDs.You will receive my birth plan template as well as an opportunity to make use of my lending library. You can then decide to create a rough draft which we will go over in the consult, or we can create the birth plan together in person during the consult. I will help you move from knowing your wishes for your birth to the final document. Even if you are 39 weeks+5 days... it is never too late to know what you want and to create a birth plan.If you subsequently decide to hire me as your doula, the cost of the birth plan consultation will be deducted from the birth doula fees.Fee for Private Birth Plan Consultation: $150.
Partners
Photo Credit-Danyelle Barker
One of the main questions I get asked by partners is:"If you are there, what will she need me for?"Short answer: LOTS!!!!!!!!! Most of my clients want their partner to be the main support person. In this scenario, my role becomes supporting both of you.Long answer: Labour and birth is unpredictable and demanding work. It also has the potential to be a very long process. In the latent 'early' stages of labour, the partner is likely to be the only person there to support and take care of the woman. It is not uncommon for partners to be exhausted by the time active labour starts. At this point, they are often very happy to having someone who isn't exhausted contribute.As your doula:*I will work with you prenatally to make sure you know the possible interventions involved in labour and birth. This is very important because the staff will only take direction from the woman and/or her partner... and it is very likely that there will be times that she will either not want to discuss decisions or not be able to. She will be relying solely on you.*I will help you to create your latent labour plan. During this time you will likely be the only one there to look after your partner. Latent labour is an important time, it sets the foundation for active labour. Your partner will be depending on you to see her through this time.*I will teach you specific 'tricks' that help to make labour less painful. If rubbing her lower back doesn't help, you will have a list of other things to try.*I will arrive when one or both of you wants me to come. This is often in active labour, but not always. I will bring with me more tricks, tools, and energy. I can help you to remember certain parts of your prenatal classes and our meetings that may be helpful. I may also suggest new coping/progression options that may be less common. This is where the rubber meets the road! I will also offer to do the heavy lifting, so that you too can conserve your energy. This also allow you to be present with your partner, supporting her, while I take care of everything else. Remember, this is the birth of your child too. I want you to enjoy it as well.*Throughout the labour I will make sure that the basic needs of you and your partner are taken care of while you remain hands on with Mom.*After the baby is born, I will continue to make sure that basic needs are met, allowing you and Mom to bond with your baby. This will give you time with your new family, and time to rest while I look after anything else that needs to be done. I often head home about 2 hours after the birth. By this time you will be somewhat refreshed, and will be ready to be the sole support person once more.*I will see you at about 24-48 hours postpartum. During this time I will check to see how you are all doing, answer any questions, and provide you with any other resources you may require. This is often when the partner likes to hit the shower, and/or restock on some groceries. I can give you a little break, while making sure that mom and baby have an extra set of hands to help them.If you have any further question about how I can support you and your partner, please feel free to call me. :)"The difference in experience between our first child and our second child was proof of a lot of things; among them that doulas work. During our meetings, our doula taught me what to do to help my wife when she was in labour. I quickly learned that there was more to it then just back rubbing! She brought knowledge, skill, and experience. She didn't replace me- she complimented me." L.P.
Photos
A very special thank you to all the families and photographers who have allowed me to share their photos. Please note there are pictures of me working in the capacity of a doula and a student midwife within this show. Place your cursor on the bottom of the photos to see a description. -Eileen
Contact
Availability
Birth Doula Schedule 2011-2012*I make every effort to keep this as updated as possible, but if you see that your estimated due date is taken, please give me a call anyways, I may be able to fit you in.
"You are constructing your own reality with the choices you make... or don't make. If you really want a healthy pregnancy and joyful birth, and you truly understand that you are the one in control, then you must examine what you have or haven't done so far to create the outcome you want." Kim Wildner. [Mother's Intentions: How Belief Shapes Birth]
Reading Resources
The following are some resources that I highly recommend. They, and many other titles, are available to clients through my lending library.Books:Preconception:Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health ~ Toni Weschler.Pregnancy:Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide ~ Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, and Ann Keppler.The Complete Guide of Pregnancy & Childbirth ~ Sheila Kitzinger.Our Bodies Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth ~ The Boston Women's Health Collective.Hearts & Hands ~ Elizabeth Davis.The Natural Pregnancy Book ~ Aviva Jill Romm.The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: Canadian Edition ~ Ann Douglas.Pregnancy & Childbirth Secrets ~ Gail Dahl.Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year ~ Susan S. Weed.Birth:Birthing From Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation ~ Pam England.Ina May's Guide to Childbirth ~ Ina May Gaskin.Spiritual Midwifery ~ Ina May Gaskin.The Thinking Woman's Guide to A Better Birth ~ Henri Goer.Gentle Birth Choices ~ Barbara Harper.The Doula Guide to Birth: Secrets Every Pregnant Woman Should Know ~ Ananda Lowe & Rachel Zimmerman.Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method ~ Marie Mongan.The Birth Partner ~Penny Simkin.Better Birth: The Ultimate Guide to Childbirth from Home Births to Hospitals ~ Denise Spatafora.Postpartum:Natural Health After Birth ~ Aviva Jill Romm.After The Baby's Birth: A Woman's Way to Wellness ~ Robin Lim.Mothering The New Mother: Women's Feelings & Needs After Childbirth ~ Sally Placksin.Breastfeeding:The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding ~ La Leche League International.Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers ~ Nancy Mohrbacher & Kathleen Kendall-Tackett. The Nursing Mother's Herbal ~ Sheila Humphrey.Feeding Your Baby the Healthiest Foods: From Breastmilk to Table Foods ~ Louise Lambert-Lagace.Birth History:BIRTH: The Surprsing History of How We Are Born ~ Tina Cassidy.Birth Chairs, Midwives, and Medicine ~ Amanda Carson Banks.Maternity Care:The Midwifery Option: A Canadian Guide to the Birth Experience ~ Miranda Hawkins & Sarah Knox.PUSHED: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care ~ Jennifer Block.Immaculate Deception: A New Look at Women and Childbirth in America ~ Suzanne Arms.Birth In Four Cultures: A Crosscultural Investigation of Childbirth in Yucatan, Holland, Sweden, and the United States ~ Brigitte Jordan.Parenting:The Baby Book ~ Dr. Sears.Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishment to Love and Reason ~ Alfie Kohn.DVDs:Laboring Under an Illusion: Mass Media Childbirth vs. The Real Thing ~ Vicki Elson.Attending Birth ~ Sage Femme.All My Babies: A Midwife's Own Story ~ Miss Mary Coley.Of Hopscotch and Little Girls ~ Marquise Lepage.Birth As We Know It ~ Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova & Cecily Kate Borthwick.Pregnant in America: A Nations Miscarriage ~ Steve Buonaugurio.Orgasmic Birth: The Best Kept Secret ~ Debra Pascali-Bonoro & Kris Liem.The Business of Being Born ~ Ricki Lake & Abby Epstein.A Walk To Beautiful ~ Mary Olive Smith & Steve Engel.Breastfeeding With Bravado.
Links
Aviva InstituteBlessingway BeadsCanadian Association of MidwivesFacebook 'Fan' PageInternational Cesarean Awareness NetworkLa Leche League CanadaLunapadsMidwives Association of SaskatchewanMidwifery TodayOrgasmic BirthPushed BirthThe Business of Being BornUnique Mommy Support SiteVBAC FactsWaterbirth InternationalMore to come!!!! :)
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doula_eileen_hotmail.com
Welcome
Benefits of a Doula
About Me
Birth Doula Services
Childbirth Preparation Classes
Birth Plan Consultations
Partners
Photos
Contact
Availability
Reading Resources
Links
