How I Became a Doula  I   My Training   I   My Life    I    Hiring a Birth Doula   I   Hiring a Postpartum Doula

Welcome to Corvallis Doula: Bellies. Babies. Beyond.

I provide Labor and Postpartum Doula services to women and their families in Corvallis, Oregon.

How I Became A Doula

     I began my doula journey after the birth of my second son. 

     My first son was born in the hospital.  I arrived at the hospital at 5cm dilation around 7pm at night.  I truly did not feel prepared for the intensity of labor, and my poor husband kept getting 'in the way' of the nurses trying to get me settled in.  Finally I broke down and asked for an epidural.  They mentioned that it would be about an hour and gave me Demerol before I even knew what was happening.  I remember itching my face a LOT after that.  Then I remember getting the epidural during contractions, and being told to sit (hunched over the side of the bed...) still.  Not knowing better, I had no idea how far I was in labor.  Turns out I was 8 or 9 cm by that time.  After 30 +/- minutes of pushing, my son was born at 11:14pm.  After all was said and done, I found out the 'timeline' of my hospital labor & delivery.  I knew for my next baby I could go those few hours without the medication, and had I not been strapped to my bed with IV, EFM and able to use various techniques to manage the pain - perhaps that would've happened for my first baby as well. 

     With my second son I took a Bradley childbirth class.  Planning another hospital birth, but un-medicated this time.  Half way through the class we decided to switch to homebirth so I could have a water-birth.  I was nervous, but my labor while intense, was manageable and faster.  Baby boy actually arrived 10 minutes before my midwife, into my arms.  At this time I now was blessed with 2 boys and overwhelmed.  I hired a postpartum doula to help me out, since our family help was limited.  It was heaven having a second set of hands for everything, and a gentle listening ear.  After these two births I knew that I wanted to help mama's be as involved as they can be in achieving the birth they desire, and to be able to relax and enjoy their new baby after the birth and focus on themselves as well.  I now have three children, as my daughter was born at home in May of 2006.  All three were successfully nursed for an extended period of time (each longer than 12 months). 

      I am currently booking birth clients for July 2007 forward, and postpartum clients for June 2007 forward.  Please take a moment to look around my website to learn more about my services. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, please email or call me. (see Contact page)

My Training

     In June of 2005 I completed my DONA Birth Doula training and am currently working towards certification.  I am also working on DONA Postpartum Doula certification, and have successfully completed a breastfeeding course through Lactation Education Resources.  Until I am certified through DONA, I will be charging reduced rates for my services. 

     I am also working on certification through the Happiest Baby on the Block educator's program, so that I may teach my postpartum parents how to soothe a fussy baby, and hope to teach classes on this in the future as well. 

My Life

     I am a stay at home mother to three little ones.  2 boys, aged 5 and 3 years, and a daughter who just turned one in May 2007.  I am also a part time student at Oregon State University majoring in Nutrition Science and Psychology.  I also have volunteered with the Corvallis Indoor Parks organization since 2003, and am currently involved in that.  My husband, children and I reside in NW Corvallis, and I have lived here since 1999 when I moved here from Victoria, Canada to attend school.   We practice Attachment Parenting with our little ones, and are always aspiring to be more 'green' and involved in the community.  I have many hobbies, yet little time.  Aside from my interests in all things pregnancy, birth and baby related, I enjoy traveling, scrapbooking, sewing, organizing, skiing, reading, learning, decorating, working out and spending time with my family. 
 

Hiring a birth doula.

What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?

·  The nutrition of a pregnant woman greatly impacts the health of her baby from its life as a fetus through adulthood. It is our job as parents to give them the best we can.

·  Breastmilk provides optimum nutrition for the newborn baby  

·  While a cesarean section may be necessary at times, the current rate is too high.

·  In most cases, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is a safer alternative to routine repeat cesareans.  

·  Women's bodies already know how to give birth. There is no one right way to give birth. Each birth is unique.

·  A woman will labor the best where ever she feels the safest and most secure. Whether that be at her home or at a hospital.   A woman in labor deserves an environment in which her privacy, autonomy and emotional security is protected, and her mobility is encouraged.

·  Expectant parents should participate in decisions regarding the judicious use of obstetrical medications and procedures. They can help make this easier by educating themselves ahead of time, and throughout their experience. 

·  The emotions of a birthing woman have profound effects on the birth outcome. Women must be allowed to express all their birth related feelings.
 

 When do you try to join women in labor - at our home or at the place of birth?

·  I will join you at whatever point that you feel you are in need of assistance, whether it be your home or hospital.  If it is the middle of the night, I do ask that you wait until you need to concentrate through the contractions, to ensure that I am rested to assist during your birth.
 

 Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?

·  Of course.  You can schedule an initial consultation at no charge to interview and get to know me better.  The earlier in your pregnancy the better.  If you decide to hire me, we will have 2 prenatal appointments (more are available at an extra cost) where we will go over your birth plan, wishes, needs and so on. 
 

May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?

·  Yes.  I am available via email or phone for any questions or concerns that you may have both during your pregnancy or postpartum at any time. 
 

Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?

·  Yes.  I have a few options for back up doulas, and depending on your due date and her availability, the doula may vary.  You are more than welcome to meet with any doula who will be on backup for your birth. 
 

What is your fee, what services does it include and what are your refund policies?

·   Please see my Fees page for current pricing.  My pricing inclusions are listed on the pages for Birth Services and Postpartum Services.  Refunds are covered in my contract and will be added to this site in .pdf form shortly. 

Hiring a Postpartum Doula.
 

What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families during postpartum?
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May we meet to discuss our postpartum needs and the role you will play in supporting us in the postpartum period?

·   Yes.  I am available via email or phone for any questions or concerns that you may have both during your pregnancy or postpartum at any time. 

When do your services begin after birth?
·   Whenever you need them to.  I do request that someone let me know via email or phone as soon as possible after the birth of your baby.  I require 48 hours notice before starting postpartum assistance, but special arrangements can be made on a case by case basis.  We will go over what days and times you would like at a prenatal appointment and I will give you my availability.

Do you work with one or more back up doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?

·   Yes.  I have a few options for back up doulas, and depending on your due date and her availability, the doula may vary.  You are more than welcome to meet with any doula who will be on backup for your birth. 

What is your fee? What is your refund policy?

·    Please see my Fees page for current pricing.  My pricing inclusions are listed on the pages for Birth Services and Postpartum Services.  Refunds are covered in my contract and will be added to this site in .pdf form shortly. 

What additional services do you offer?

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May we call you with postpartum questions or concerns before the birth?

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What is your experience in breastfeeding support?
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