Doulas continue the ancient tradition of women supporting pregnant mothers during and after their baby’s birth. ‘Doula’ comes from the Greek word meaning woman caregiver or servant. Traditionally in times past, continuous support was provided by midwives during labor and until the mother was strong enough to care for her newborn. Today, with so many unnecessary demands on our hospital staff, popul
arity of doulas has been on the rise, as our mommies are looking for one-to-one companionship and emotional support throughout their entire birth experience. Pregnancy & Birth are both wonderful and confusing times. Sometimes we don't know what we want or don't want something till the time comes. I have provided support as a Home Birth, Birth Center & Hospital Birth/Postpartum Doula professionally sense 2009. However not realizing that there was a name (Doula) for what I did out of love, I have been providing care for both women and children many of which are high risk patients sense 1982. In total, I have been cultivating my skills as a doula for over 30 years. As a holistic doula I work with the mind, body and spirit to help cultivate a positive, safe environment for you to explore and educate yourself on the options of child birth are very important to me. Many times women/families don't know their options, so that is where I come in. I provide support and resources necessary for you and your family to make informed, educated decisions i.e. types of birth, exercise, nutrition, breastfeeding, immunizations, circumcision, postpartum care, diapering and so much more. I have many different resources that will help you figure out what is right for you and your families desires. Many times families don't realize that while going through the paces of adopting a child it is also nice to have a doula to help walk you through the process and help you prepare for your new little one. So For some people it is important to know that I do not discriminate based on race, age, sexual orientation, or any other factor that makes a person who they are. One of the hardest part but also one of the most rewarding aspects of my doula experience is also working with families that have lost children both thru adoption and through death. It is very difficult to navigate life when your little doesn't come home. I feel very strongly about loving someone when they can't even find the love to love themselves. So with that being said, what is that I really do?
1. I am support and resource person for Mommies/ Families as a Birth & Postpartum Doula.
2. I work with family going through alternative methods of adding a child to their family through adoption or other means.
3. I am a facilitator, promoter & net-worker in the areas of nutrition, natural health & wellness, attachment parenting and more.
4. I am a Photographer specializing in Maternity, Labor, Birth, Newborn, Family photography. Please see my page Lovejoy imagery for more ideas on the styles of photography I do.
5. I am an "Angle" Doula who works with Mommies/Families before during and after a loss of their child. This includes Mommies who have or are going through the adoption process. As you can see I love what I do and I am very dedicated to helping you have the best birth experience as possible. Many Blessings to you and your Families,
ALi
