| Kate Bastedo Labor Doula & Childbirth Educator |
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Training Certified doula through CBI; certified perinatal educator through Baby Steps How long practicing as a doula Since 2005 Births attended About 40 Birth philosophy I believe that it is my job, as a birth professional, to offer information so parents can make the choices that best suit their beliefs, lifestyles, and needs, and then to support those decisions. It is not my place to push a specific agenda or method, but to encourage women and their partners to seek education, and trust their instincts. Although I am personally an advocate of natural childbirth, followed with attachment parenting, breastfeeding, limited vaccination, and no circumcision, it is not my birth, and I totally support parents who make other choices regarding their pregnancy, birth and childrearing, as is their right. What she enjoys most |
| Jennifer Marlow Labor Doula & Placenta Encapsulator |
 TrainingCertified doula through DONA International How long practicing as a doula Since 2008 Births attended About 40 Birth philosophy I believe that expectant parents have a right to the information needed to make informed decisions, as well as a right to have the decisions they make for themselves and their children fully supported. What she enjoys most Other qualifications |
| Jill Snelson Labor Doula, Lactation Counselor, & Placenta Encapsulator |
 TrainingCertified doula through Childbirth International How long practicing as a doula I attended my first birth in September of 2006. Births attended 8 (as of May 2011). Birth philosophy Birth is a very intimate, empowering event! I am humbled and honored to attended every birth I am invited into. I believe that I am there to inform parents of all choices and options available to them so they can make the best decisions for their family's specific needs. It is my job to support the choices made by the parents and to uphold them to the best of my ability. I want to help moms feel empowered to trust their bodies, themselves, and their instincts! What she enjoys most Other qualifications |
| Amanda Thum Labor Doula |
 TrainingSince the DONA Birth Doula workshop I attended in 2002, I have attended a Spinning Babies Workshop (that included Belly Mapping), a Baby Steps Childbirth Educator Workshop, and have spent many hours reading articles, books, and blogs from other birth professionals. How long practicing as a doula Since 2002 Births attended Fewer than 20, though each has been an honor, and an experience to learn even more. Birth philosophy Every woman, and her ideal birth is going to be different than the next. As a doula, I feel that it is my job to help the family know that they have options, and to help them feel satisfied with their birth experience. What she enjoys most Other qualificiations |
| What is a Doula? |
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A labor doula is
a non-medical professional who provides continuous labor support. Typically,
when you hire a doula you will meet with her twice prenatally to get to know her
and for her to learn your preferences. She will be on call for you during your
labor, and will come when you need her. Usually a postpartum follow-up
appointment is included as well. Because obstetricians and nurse-midwives do
not typically provide continuous labor support, it is important to have a doula
there for you during this time. What a doula will do during labor varies widely
and is dependent upon what you need at the time. One study found that having a doula reduced a mother's risk of cesarean section by 50%, shortened labor by 25%, and reduced requests for epidurals by 60%. There was also a 40% reduction in the use of Pitocin (a synthetic hormone used to speed labor) and a 40% reduction in the use of forceps. Maternal satisfaction is also higher when a doula is involved in the labor. Please scroll down to read our doula's biographies. |
| Our Labor Doulas |