Pregnancy is a wonderful time.  A time full of promise and excitement.  Our thoughts turn towards preparing our homes for the birth of a little one, and in preparing ourselves for the birth experience.  Today there are so many options: homebirth or hospital birth, midwife or obstetrician, natural birth or pain medications.  With so many options, it may be hard to know where to start, or even what questions to ask.  You may find yourself fearful of the birth process, or hope to have a natural birth but are uncertain of your ability to do so.  One person may have told you that her birth experience was wonderful, while another has told you it was the worst experience imaginable.

I believe that if a mom-to-be is well-educated in the process of birth and her options, she is likely to be less afraid of the process.  She'll also be more confident in the decisions she makes, and more accepting of her birth.  Consider the following excerpt from Ina May's Guide to Childbirth:

"Will I be able to accomplish this seemingly impossible act?  I'm sure that many of us wonder that from time to time.  Virtually all women do... When such moments of doubt occur... fall back on the sure knowledge that closest friends and sisters and mothers have been able to do it."  

I teach that birth is a natural process which a woman's body is designed to do, and that birth can be both challenging and extreme fulfilling.  I help a woman overcome her fear and to embrace birth for what it is: a powerful transition to life as a mother.  I also help the labor partner to become comfortable with the process of birth and teach him or her ways to help.  As a doula, I help women to have the best birth experience possible by putting my knowledge to use, and help labor partners to experience the birth in a way that is comfortable for them.  

Whether your first baby or your fifth, I invite you to browse through the information on my childbirth classes and doula services.  If you have any questions, or wish to register for a class, please feel free to call or e-mail.  I welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Warmly,

Carol