I am currently on a maternity leave after the birth of our fourth child and am not working as a labor support doula at this time.
The birth of a child is a life-changing experience that a mother and her partner - and anyone else present - will remember all their lives! I would dare say, having birthed three children myself, that it’s a near sacred experience! I would also say, having been at numerous other births, that each one unfolds in a completely unique way. I’ve never attended two that were alike. And what’s more, there is no “right” labor or “right” birth, just as there is no “wrong” labor or “wrong” birth. Rather, there is only your labor, and your birth. And the main thing I believe is that it’s possible for you to have a more satisfying labor and birth than you ever imagined possible! That’s what I hope to help you achieve.
The main way I do this is by providing education, guidance, and extensive resources during pregnancy, as well as physical, emotional, and informational support during actual labor and birth. I work hard at helping my clients feel empowered to make the best decisions they can for themselves within the context of their own labor and birth.
Understandably, I often hear concerns that having a doula might relegate the birth partner to a secondary or even a negligible role. Let me assure you that this is not the case with me. On the contrary, my involvement actually helps the partner feel more connected, more involved, and more indispensable. What I do during labor and birth frees them up to focus on their strengths as a partner, and just be who the woman needs them to be.
And when the partner feels more certain, the woman feels more certain! I come alongside the partner, and everyone else present for that matter, to help the mother feel safe, to be able to let go of herself and her thoughts, to be truly in her body. This is how a woman becomes free to do whatever she needs to do to birth her baby!
Typical labor support services include the following:
During pregnancy
During labor
After the birth
For more examples of what I do as a labor support doula, be sure to visit the testimonials page. Nobody explains my role better than those with whom I’ve worked.
Please contact me for information regarding fees.
Hallie Greider
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