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~Helping your birth be a gentle beginning~

       Congratulations on your new journey of parenthood and to
finding a doula!!! I want to thank you for considering my services.

       I encourage every family looking for a doula to interview several
to find the right "fit" for you. It's important to find someone you feel
comfortable with. Below you will find a link to a list of doulas.

       Please consider: www.coloradodoulas.com for a
           listing of local Colorado doulas in your area.



    ~ Life is not measured by the number of breaths
we take but by the moments that take our breath away~
                                                                  ~unknown~

"We are so glad that Michele was with us for
the birth of our daughter. We can't imagine
what it would have been like without her there.
She brought such a peace and sense of
security to an experience so full of unknowns."
~ Emily & Chris~

What is a doula?

       The word "doula" means "woman caregiver". A doula is an experienced labor companion who offers
physical, emotional, and informational support before, during and after the birth of your baby. A doula is not a
doctor or midwife and does not make any medical decisions. She is a silent advocate for the mother,
encouraging her in her desires for her birth. The doula assures the mother that she will stay with her the
entire labor and not leave her alone being a positive nurturing presence. She helps the mother relax and feel
confident, providing massage and suggestions for birthing and pushing positions.

       The doula provides a better understanding of procedures and complications that may arise at anytime
during your pregnancy or birth of your baby. This informational support helps relieve any uncertainties and
anxieties that the mother and her family may have.

       The birth of your baby will be something you will remember forever. Some doulas take pictures, video,
and write birth stories for the family to enable them to recall every precious moment.

                      Benefits of having a doula:
                     ~ 50% reduction in cesarean rate        ~ 25% shorter labor

                        ~ 60% reduction in epidural requests   ~ 40% reduction in oxytocin use

                        ~ 30% reduction in analgesia use         ~ 40% reduction in forceps delivery

***statistics from: Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, written by Klaus,
Kennell, and Klaus (1993)

Postpartum benefits :
~ mother's reported less pain during labor and 24 hrs after
~ mother's increased interest in her baby
~ greater incidence of breast-feeding at 6 weeks
~ less anxiety, fewer signs of depression, and a higher level of self-esteem


~ Contact Me ~
cell phone: 303-947-9614
email: birthbydesign@msn.com

Birth by Design