| image provided by Barbara Getrost |
| m |
| Doula Services |
| m |
| m |
| M a s s a g e I s H e a l t h y . . . |
 |
| not a Luxury |
| Laura Viale, Doula Professional Birth Assistant 781-330-9144 Laura@MassageIsHealthy.com |
| * Compiled from Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus; Addison Wesley Publishing Company, 1993 |
| Recent studies involving over 1000 women show the presence of a Doula results in:* 50% decrease in cesarean sections 25% decrease in length of labor 30% decrease in use of forceps 40% decrease in use of oxytocin 60% decrease in use of epidurals 30% decrease in use of narcotic pain meds. |
| m |
 |
| What is a Doula? A Doula is a woman who provides continuous support to another woman through childbirth. The concept of a laboring woman having the support of other women is an ageless tradition common to all cultures. As birthing moved from home to the hospital, this valuable tradition was less and less common. Women are now seeking this type of support as it is more difficult for doctors and nurses to provide nurturing, continuous care in the hospital due to shift changes and heavy caseloads. A Doula is trained in the physiology of pregnancy and labor. She will be familiar with comfort techniques to ease the pain of labor. In addition, she will be knowlegeable in common hospital procedures and interventions and will provide educational / informational support to the laboring couple when faced with decisions in the hospital. Overall, Doulas provide continuous physical, emotional, and educational support to the couple during the birth of their child. My Philosophies: I love and believe in birth! I believe and trust that a woman's body is designed to give birth, and that birth is a normal, physiological event. Just as each woman has her own unique personality, each woman will have different experiences of labor. It is my responsiblity to support each woman and her partner through the unique process of their child's birth in whatever unique way they need to be supported. Since all couples will make various different decisions about their care and their desires for the birth of their child, I will provide as much information as possible to help them make informed decisions, and will support whatever decision they make for their family. |
| What do my services include? |
| Price for doula services - $600* 2 Prenatal Visits - these visits last from 1 - 2 hours and are an opportunity for us to get to know each other during your pregnancy as well as for me to provide information / education about various subjects regarding you childbirth experience. We will talk about your health history, your unique fears or concerns - if any, your birth plan, and any other topic you feel is related to your birth. 1 One hour Prenatal Massage - Massage has many benefits for the pregnant woman and her baby. This is a chance for you to relax and take time out for you. Regular massage is an important part of prenatal care. $10 off Massage services - to encourage health and relaxation during your pregnancy. Unlimited Phone Support - You can feel free to call me anytime with any questions or concerns throughout your pregnancy. I am available to you over the phone between the hours of 9am to 8pm, 7 days a week. 24 Hour On-Call Status - Starting 2 weeks before your due date until the birth of your child, I will be on-call 24 hours a day, every day so that you can call me as soon as your labor begins. Continuous Labor Support - I will support you throughout your entire labor, beginning at your home and continuing at the hospital or birth center. I will also stay with you for up to 1 hour after the baby is born to continue providing support as needed. 1 Postpartum Visit - I will come to your home within the first few weeks after the baby comes to help in any way you'd like. This can include light cleaning, holding the baby while you take care of your needs, an infant massage lesson, sharing your birth experience or how it is to be a new parent, and any other form of support you might need.* Conditions of this visit are that I cannot drive you or the baby anywhere, and I cannot babysit (you can not leave the house while I care for the baby). *This visit can also be used for a postpartum massage for the mother. * Prices are subject to change as certification process progresses and experience / knowledge is enhanced. |
| This service is temporarily unavailable as I focus on my own pregnancy, birth and upcoming maternity leave. |