WELCOME

Growing a baby is such a miraculous process! Congratulations! Whether your little one is a surprise or a long-awaited gift, your life, and the lives of those whom you love are profoundly changing. Your consciously informed pregnancy can result in an incredibly positive birth experience for you, for your baby, and for your partner. Knowledge is power...especially when it comes to birth. I applaud you for putting forth the effort, thought and time involved in making that happen!

My hope is that you will look back on this very special occasion as one where you felt supported and engaged throughout the entire process. It would be an honor to accompany you through one of the most unforgettable and transformative events of your life!  

MY BELIEFS
SURROUNDING BIRTH

“Doula” is an ancient word for an age-old practice re-discovered

In times gone by birthing women were usually surrounded by other women. This circle of caring women provided love and support in a variety of ways to the birthing person. They would ensure that the midwife was there on time. They would see to it that food for the young family was abundant and nourishing. They tended to older siblings if there were any and made sure that the partner was occupied and informed of progress. They also fed, nurtured, massaged and otherwise supported the birthing woman in any way that she needed them to. Although the term had yet to be coined in relation to birth, these women were doulas.  

This vital support network largely disappeared when we took women out of the home and into the hospital to birth their babies the “modern” way. Thus, for many years a birthing woman was generally alone in an unfamiliar setting, often surrounded by strangers in sterile garb while the person she loved most and with whom she had made this baby, waited elsewhere. He too, was alone, nervous and unsupported until news of whether he was father to a boy or a girl came from a stranger’s mouth.  

Sadly, this model still holds true in some parts of the world, but luckily is no longer the case here in Switzerland and in many other countries. The loving circle of support for birthing women has returned. 

PARTNERS AND DOULAS

Today, in many parts of the world, the partner is welcomed to participate in the birth of a child. When a couple has decided to have a doula present, she will take time prenatally to get to know them and develop a clear understanding of how intimately the partner wants to participate. There are some who are nervous about the process and believe that their energy would not be supportive to their partner; they may feel that being less involved would be more helpful. For others, it is culturally not acceptable to be present. Yet, other partners might want to participate 150% and are right there in that birthing pool, hands-on, receiving their baby as s/he emerges from the womb.  

Doulas are trained to help you participate at your own comfort level. The continuous and calming presence of a doula allows the couple to experience the birth as fully as possible. By allowing the doula to share in the intensity in case of a difficult, long or powerful labor, the woman and her partner have greater capacity to be there for each other in ways that are right for them.  

As her partner, you might feel that a doula could be an intrusive presence. Perhaps you even worry that a doula would somehow replace you. Rest assured, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. You know her better than most. You know what makes her laugh and what makes her cry. You know her strengths and her weaknesses. You know just how to get her focused and motivated. You know her intimately. You know how to spark that oxytocin flow like nobody else! You are irreplaceable!

I am there to simply hold space for both of you as you birth your baby in ways that you are comfortable with. Providing continuity of care throughout shift changes and protecting the memory of the experience are two very important elements of what I do. I strive to nourish and enhance the bond that created the miracle of your baby in the first place.

SINGLE MAMAS

Perhaps being a mother has been a long-term, deep desire so you’ve decided to go on a journey to make that happen without a partner. Or maybe you are now in a situation you weren’t entirely planning on. Regardless of why you are going it alone as a single mama, I admire and applaud you! On your child’s birthday, not only will a baby be born, but so too will a new mother. This miracle deserves to be celebrated! 

By supporting the expecting mama without a partner, I hope that my comforting assistance will nurture the profound sense of accomplishment you will feel when you give birth. The powerful insight gained from this experience will, no doubt, guide you on your journey as a woman and a mother.