As you probably noticed by the home page, I am on an exciting new journey to add to my natural health toolbox! Agape's Healing Hands Doula is in the making. I am currently a member of DONA International and am working toward my certification. I have already taken the first set of classes and am now able to provide birth doula services while working on that certification, and those that have me as their birth doula get to help me on that journey by providing info on their experience with me to DONA. No worries, I'm not stepping away from being an Herbalist. I am still in many classes to brush up on many things and get deeper knowledge. I'm also working on more certificates for comfort spas (can't call it massage because Oklahoma doesn't license unless you have your certificates through specific entities approved by this state). I'm excited that I will be able to encompass all my knowledge into your care and support. Now in saying that, I am unable to be an Herbalist Doula, those will be separate hats. A birth doulas scope of practice does not include that, but I can tell you that I am taking off my doula hat and going to be your herbalist for a moment and vice versa. It is a trying time to try to be a doula with all the covid rules in place. I know of 3 places allowing doulas to join the birth team here in central Oklahoma. Mercy, St. Anthony and OU, now, that could change at anytime, we never know. Obviously, everyone needs to discuss their options with their OB to see if it is possible. I am a healthy person, with a good immune system. I am willing to be covid tested if need be before entering the birth room for peace of mind and obviously, I would have a back up doula that you would meet in advance, ready in case I became sick or was unable to attend.
After I am certified I will begin work on the next phase. I also want to become a full Post-partum doula. With so many women dealing silently for so long with so many emotions and fatigue following birth having outside trained support is so important.
What is a birth doula and why would we want one?
A birth doula is "a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible." To expand a bit on that we offer support to the significant other and/or family as well.
From the DONA International website:
Physical Support Position ideas for comfort and labor progression cross over with hands-on comfort measures like comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques and other “doula magic” for families. A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help a malpositioned baby find its way through the pelvis and into the birthing parent’s arms.
Emotional Support Doulas help families to feel supported, easing the emotional experience of birth and also helping to create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best. Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, every family can benefit from nurturing and connection at this tender, incredible time in their lives.
Partner Support Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend or another family member like the baby’s grandma, the birth partner’s experience matters in birth. Our doulas are there to support every birth partner in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. Physical and emotional support make a huge difference for everyone involved.
Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy DONA International doulas are trained to help families connect with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and make informed decisions about their births. Our doulas serve as a bridge of communication between women and their providers, lifting them up to help them find their voices and advocate for the very best care.
All families benefit with a birth doula on their team!
Why did I choose DONA International to be certified through?
DONA is one of the first and largest. They have professionalized doulas to the point that a DONA International certified doula is highly recognized and respected among many hospital, doctors, birth centers and mid-wives. They have certified over 12,000 doulas in over 50 countries.
Needing a doula and don't know where to begin?? DONA has you covered.
https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/how-to-hire-a-doula/
If you would like to contact me to see if we are a good match as your birth doula check out the contact page here on the website for my doula email, or give me a call or text. I get so many spam calls these days that texting first may be best if you decide to go the phone route. Be sure you have talked to your OB or Mid-wife about having a birth doula joining you for birth. I look forward to hearing from you!!!