The word Doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning “woman servant”. In its contemporary meaning it refers to a professional labor companion who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to pregnant and laboring mothers and their partners or support person.

As a DONA Certified Birth Doula, Joanne brings her knowledge and expertise to each client. During pregnancy, educational and emotional support are offered so that each mother and partner feel informed, well cared for, and nurtured. It is Joanne’s goal to understand the desires of each expectant parent so that she can help create a satisfying and beautiful experience. Throughout labor and birth, Joanne provides a consistent presence, facilitates communication between her clients and the medical providers, and enhances the partner’s experience to participate at his/her comfort level. Joanne is uniquely trained to understand the physiology of birth as well as the needs of a laboring woman.

Your child’s birth is a memory that will be etched in the lives of your family forever. Every family has different needs and Joanne provides individualized care based on circumstances and preferences.

Doula Services Include:

• A free initial interview
• 2 prenatal visits
• Ongoing telephone support for any questions or concerns
• Guaranteed backup Doula
• A comprehensive educational manual
• Birth planning and preparation as well as education on medical terminology and the science of labor and birth
• Comfort measures (emotional and physical) for pregnancy and labor
• Continuous labor support in your home, hospital and/or birthing center
• 1-2 hours of support following the birth
• Initial breastfeeding support
• 2 postpartums visit in your home
• Referrals (Postpartum Doula, Lactation Consultant, Chiropractor, etc) as needed
• Birth/newborn pictures if desired

Benefits of Having a Doula May:

• Allow clients to make more informed choices
• Result in shorter, easier labors
• Reduce or eliminate the need for drugs/medical interventions, i.e. pitocin, IVs, epidurals, vacuum
• Decrease the incidence of complications, including Cesarean Sections
• Provide for a healthier and more alert mother and baby
• Bring a greater calm and confidence to the birthing process
• Enhance early mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding

As an Herbalist and Flower Essence Therapist, Joanne has the ability to recommend natural remedies that will alleviate the various physical and emotional challenges a woman or her partner may face during pregnancy and postpartum.

Please click here to read what clients say about Joanne’s Doula services.

If you are interested in learning more about Placenta Encapsulation and the benefits of this preparation , please click here.