A labor support professional, otherwise known as a birth doula, is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
Studies have shown that by including a doula at your birth, you may greatly reduce:
- the chances of a cesarean
- having pain medication
- the use of pitocin
- the length of your labor
Pregnancy and birth offer women an incredible opportunity to experience a renewed sense of the strength and power of their bodies. For a woman who is comfortable trusting the birth process, her wisdom and her spirit are enabled to transform her life in powerful ways.
What should you expect?
Contrary to many expectations, having a doula reinforces the importance of the partner or father’s presence, not negating this role in the birth. A birth partner can participate to his or her comfort level, while also being nurtured and cared for by the doula during this major life transition. I work to support, educate and advocate for all people who are involved in the birth – mom, baby and partner – by helping with positions, giving massage and aromatherapy, assisting with “aquadurals” (baths or showers), translating information from doctors or midwives, and encouraging mom’s inner guidance and strength. Essentially, my role is to intuitively work with a mother to find exactly what she needs to focus and be present in her birth.
A labor support professional can enhance the birth experience with additional support for the birthing family at home, birth center or a hospital setting. Please call (805-407-1202) to discuss the details of the services I provide for your expectant family before, during and after birth.
*NEW* Placenta Encapsulation services now offered!
Placenta Encapsulation has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and is a process of steaming, dehydrating and encapsulating the placenta, which is preserved after delivery. After giving birth, new moms experience blood loss, fatigue, and a severe drop in their pregnancy hormones. The hormone fluctuation is what leads to “baby blues” and postpartum depression that approximately 80% of new mothers experience. When you choose placenta encapsulation, you replenish your body with your own natural iron, protein and essential hormones needed in the postpartum period. Placenta capsules lessen postnatal bleeding, replenish depleted iron, impart energy, help with breast milk production, and help your uterus get back to its pre-pregnant state. When stored in the freezer, your capsules can be used at a later time to help with difficult menstrual cycles, by reducing bleeding and cramps. Capsules can also help with symptoms of menopause.
Harmony Maloney CD(DONA)
Student Midwife (Nizhoni Institute of Midwifery)
Placenta Encapsulator
Nanny
harmony_maloney@yahoo.com
(805) 407-1602
“I felt more confident in myself, since I knew we would have someone with us who understood and had so much experience in the birthing process. This also allowed me to have the emotional strength to actually catch our baby!” ~ Bob Bridde
“Jaci’s help and advice were truly invaluable to my husband and me. She helped us stay on track with our birth plan through a difficult labor, was there for us from beginning to end, and the hospital staff loved her. I’d hire her again in a minute.” — Marlee Franzen
For more testimonials, click here…
