What is a doula?
A doula is a person who supports a mother and /or family during labor, by offering emotional and physical support, while protecting the sanctity of the birthing environment. A doula supports a birthing mother to make informed choices by helping her acquire the information she needs to sort through vast array of birthing options. A doula facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and the clinical care providers.
Why hire a doula?
Studies show that when doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies. Recent evidence also shows that when a doula provides support at a birth, women are more satisfied with their birth and mother-infant interaction is enhanced. The use of a doula can also help fathers and partners stay more involved and present especially in times of stress. After the birth, a doula helps to nurture and protect the woman’s memory of her birth experience.
Mission Statement-
As a doula, I trust in the innate wisdom and abilities of mothers and babies. It is my wish that all women feel supported, empowered and fulfilled in their birth experience. I see birth as a sacred rite of passage and an opportunity for growth, transformation and empowerment. I honor the unique choices made by each individual mother and baby, and I respect and acknowledge babies as conscious and aware beings.
Services provided
The doula package I offer includes:
– Two prenatal and two postnatal visits, lasting 1-2 hours each.
– Phone support for the entire pregnancy
– On-call 24 hours a day 2 weeks before and after the due date
– Continuous support for the entire birth experience until 1-2 hours post-partum. I will stay in contact throughout the babies first year through monthly phone check-ins.
– Referrals to local professionals including, midwives, acupuncturists, naturopaths, lactation consultants, and herbalists
– Use of a birth ball take
– photos (if desired)
– A detailed birth story
For an additional fee, I also can provide:
Massage Therapy– Breema, Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu and Cranial Sacral Therapy.
Aquatic Therapy- Jahara technique and baby swimming provided by Alon Altman.
Counseling– specializing in Birth related issues.
Qualifications
-Attended a DONA (Doulas of North America) certified training course.
-Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology.
-Completed over 2000 hours of Massage training.
-Experience with hospital and home births.
-Professional Musician
Testimonials
“The labor and birth of my son was gorgeous and powerful and I owe a
great deal of the outcome to Jen Miriam. She gave me the space I needed
and yet was deeply present for every dynamic moment of the birth
process. Her gentle, but firm bedside manner was impeccable. When I
needed to dance, walk, sing, speak, or just breathe, she was right
there and didn’t miss a beat.”
– Ahri Golden, co-executive producer of BIRTH, BORN and THE BIRTH TOUR
“Jen had such a beautiful, graceful way of holding space for me. Jen’s energy was very calming and tuned in. It definitely helped me to stay present and in my body. She used techniques such as Breema and acupressure that were very helpful in pain management. She also, at my request, did some drumming and chanting, which allowed me to open into the sacred beauty of the experience, and not focus as much on the pain. I would very much recommend Jen to any pregnant couple as a capable, loving and intuitive presence at their birth”. -Melita Doostan
Fees
$800 (Sliding Scale available upon request)
Please contact Jen Miriam Kantor
At 510 318 4596
e-mail at doula@jenmiriam.com
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