Bio Prenatal Yoga Doula Services Birthing From Within & Childbirth Classes Class Schedule Baby Gallery Testimonials Contact Resources Blog Doula Services Doula (a.k.a. childbirth assistant or labor companion) is a Greek word whose definition has come to mean a woman who helps other women. The word has further evolved to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth." —Dr. Marshall Klaus Doulas offer compassionate and non-judgmental labor, birth and postpartum support for women and their partners. As your birth doula, I provide physical comfort measures, emotional support, as well as information, encouragement and perspective. I am with you throughout your labor and offer relaxation and breathing practices, visualizations, acupressure, massage, aromatherapy, movement and position suggestions. Postpartum care includes assistance with recovery, adjustment to new roles, information on breastfeeding and baby care, referrals to community resources and practical support. Birth Doula Services include two prenatal and one or two postpartum visits as well as continuous labor support and phone availability during your pregnancy and for your baby's first three months. Additional hours are billed separately. Postpartum Doula Support is available in three-hour shifts during daytime hours for birth doula clients. Doula Packages Birth Services $1400 Birth Services + Birthing From Within (5-class series or 2-day intensive) $1600 Birth Services + 15 hours postpartum support $1800 Birth Services + 30 hours postpartum support $2250 Numerous studies have found an increase in positive outcomes for women who work with doulas. more info Benefits from the presence of a doula: 45% reduction in Cesarean rate 25% reduction in length of labor 50% reduction in use of pitocin 31% reduction in requests for pain medication 34% reduction in need for forceps 10-60% reduction in requests for epidural [from 10 randomized trials by Klaus] Post-partum benefits found with women who used a doula: faster and easier bonding with baby decreased maternal anxiety and depression more positive perception of labor increased instances of breast-feeding increased satisfaction with partner According to a Harvard Health Study, Doula attended births result in less medical interventions, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. "The increasing acceptance of doulas by the public stems from the desire by childbearing women to have their psycho-social needs met through labor by an experienced supportive person giving continuous reassurance, comfort, guidance and encouragement. The context in which most childbirths occur does not accommodate these needs...the doula's simple intention of nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of her child's birth addresses many of the woman's psychosocial needs and improves psychosocial outcomes...The doula's defined role is to assist women with those factors that have been found to increase childbirth satisfaction—meeting their expectations, providing support, enhancing communication, and increasing the woman's sense of control and involvement in decision-making...The doula plays an essential role in maintaining the psychological and physical well-being of laboring women." —Penny Simkin "If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it," — Dr. John H. Kennell This practice existed in ancient times and continues in much of the world today. Reise Tanner (415) 264-1786 reise@treeinthegarden.com Bio | Prenatal Yoga | Doula Services | Birthing From Within & Childbirth Classes | Class Schedule | Baby Gallery | Testimonials | Contact | Resources