Experience
As a doula, I am often asked about my personal experience -- what training I have received, how many births I have attended, whether I was the primary doula or whether I was shadowing  a more experienced doula, etc.  These are all important questions to ask.

Although I was certified as a DONA Doula in March of 2005, I have been attending births since 1999.  I am also an accredited La Leche League Leader, which means I have gone through their breastfeeding counselor training.  I lead monthly meetings for breastfeeding mothers in the community, and I also help mothers through home visits, over the phone, and online with their breastfeeding concerns.  I am an actively involved member of Butte County Breastfeeding Coalition.  I work closely with every IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) in this area; if you and I cannot solve your breastfeeding issues together, I certainly know where we can get the right help.  My latest pursuit is that of LCCE (Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator).  Ultimately, my passion is providing a means whereby a woman can make decisions with confidence.  I enjoy giving her information and trust, and allowing her to make and own the decisions she feels are best for her, her baby, and her family.

I have attended over 50 births as a doula.  I have always worked as the primary doula, and I have mentored student doulas.  I have attended homebirths and hospital births -- ranging from low-intervention vaginal births, to VBACs and cesarean births (repeat and emergency).

Services
As a birth doula, the services I offer are usually about the same, although they vary slightly from family to family. 

As a courtesy, I, like most doulas, offer a free initial interview.  If a family decides to hire me, we then schedule prenatal visits (2-3).  We discuss a wide array of topics, including creating a birth plan, comfort positions during labor, breastfeeding, and newborn care.  With my experience as a childbirth educator, doula, breastfeeding counselor, AND mother, these meetings can cover a myriad of topics! 

Once labor begins, I join you either at home or your place of birth, and stay with you until the baby is born.  Once your baby is safely latched on to your breast and your family is ready to settle into a restful state of awe, that is when I leave.  We then schedule 1-2 postpartum visits.  We can talk about your birth, your baby, breastfeeding, and anything else related to new parenthood that you might be more interested in.