Are you looking for a doula in Roanoke, VA or a surrounding area?  I am an ALACE certified doula.  I have experience working with:  first time moms, moms who have had other children, natural and medicated births in the hospital, homebirths, and VBAC moms (vaginal birth after cesarean).  For my personal statistics, click here. 

(current rates located at bottom of page)

What does a birth doula do?

A doula is someone who stands beside the mother unconditionally.  During the pregnancy, she will offer education and assistance in preparing the mom's birth plan as well as 24/7 phone support.  During labor, the doula's role is supplementary to the mother's partner--we are not here to displace the partner, but to cater to both the needs of the mother and her partner.  The doula will enable the mom's partner  to be fully focused on her at this time; doulas will support the mother's partner so that he may participate at his own comfort level.  (Special consideration is given to single moms or those whose partners cannot be present at the birth.)

Support in labor and birth  will be given according to the mom's needs and wishes, though usually it will consist of helpful comfort and relaxation  measures for the mom (such as massage/aromatherapy/counter-pressure), emotional encouragement,  education (explanations of labor/delivery procedures that providers suggest), and practical helps (such as fetching ice chips/juice  to keep the partner from having to leave the room, taking pictures at the labor/birth, etc.); we will also be an advocate for the mother's wishes and desires for her birth, when needed.  Doulas are also trained in mother's labor and delivery positions and the benefits associated with the different variations.  A doula will suggest certain positions for the mom during the labor to encourage baby to move into optimal positions for delivery--ie. the posterior or breech baby--thus minimizing the discomfort/pain  for the mom and decreasing her chances of later needing a cesarean section. 

 For hospital delivering clients, labor support may begin in the mother's home or in the hospital, wherever she prefers.  Once the baby is born, we help the mother with her first breastfeeding sessions of her new baby and ensure that mom and baby get off to the right start.  Postpartum support and information, particularly with breastfeeding, is also given, if needed,  at the postpartum visit in the mother's home.

Why would I want to have a doula for my birth?

Studies show doula assisted births have a marked decrease in need for:

• cesarean sections (50% decrease)

• pain medication (60% decrease in epidurals; 30% decrease in narcotics)

• forceps/vacuum assisted vaginal birth (30% decrease)

• pharmaceutical labor augmentation (Pitocin, etc.-40% decrease)  

There are also studies which show a decrease in:

• the mother's pain

• length of labor    (25% shorter)

• postpartum depression

Though many couples can prepare and plan to use comfort measures without a doula, many couples will attest to the fact that remembering to utilize what they have learned prenatally, while they are in labor, is a totally different story!   Also, many  moms (especially first time moms) wonder what  her labor will be like and whether her own labor/birth is progressing "normally".  These fears are often reassured  by having a doula present as the doula is usually a mother herself, having been through the process of birth already.  Those using a doula, in general, rate their birth experiences in a much more positive light and report a greater satisfaction in their birth experience as a whole.    For fathers, having a doula relieves the stress of having to "remember it all".  Many dads are concerned about meeting the emotional needs of their wives while physically helping the mom cope with the challenges of labor--especially while the dads, themselves, are experiencing their own fears and concerns during labor/birth.  For many dads, having a doula eases much of this pressure, provides reassurance and confidence in the labor/birth for both mom and dad,  and enables the father to more fully enjoy their part in the miraculous experience of their baby's birth. 

I understand that childbirth is an extremely intimate part of a mother's life.  I would be honored to be a part of those first special moments!  If you feel that a doula could be right for you, or if you have ANY questions, give me a call  (540) 977-3726 (leave a message if not available, please, and I'll get back to you soon), or email me at:

kristen_tt@yahoo.com

I will be happy to meet with you for an interview at no charge.  Initial interviews are available simply so you can meet me and ask any questions you may have about me or my doula services;  an interview with me does not obligate you to use my services in any way. 

Client Comments about Doula Services

Other Benefits of doula services:

• All doula clients receive a discount on Childbirth Education classes.

• Planning another baby?  Repeat doula clients receive a 20% discount on doula services!