on childbirth classes

Is this class different from my hospital's class?

Yes!  Rather than just giving you an overview of labor, I work to really instill the belief that birth is normal.  My class is very interactive, very hands-on, and you'll get answers to your questions.  I am very passionate about instilling confidence in women that birth is doable and have worked hard to develop a curriculum that really gives people practical ways to work with their labors.  I've been told, repeatedly, from those that refer pregnant moms to me that my class does the best job in preparing people for labor.  

Do I need to take a hospital class and your class as well?

No.  I cover what you need to know, including breastfeeding, without having to take a class elsewhere.  You can schedule a hospital tour at any time.  Most women find it convenient to schedule a tour right before or after their OB/midwife appointment.

Is your class only for people who are interested in an unmedicated (natural) birth?

No.  Every women, even if she wants pain medicine, needs to know how to cope with labor.  Pain medications can't be given in early labor, and sometimes a labor will progress so rapidly that there isn't enough time to get pain meds.  Every women needs to understand what is happening with her body during labor and the indications for, and benefits and risks of, medical interventions.  While I believe in a woman's ability, I also know that a lot of women will choose pain medications, and all I ask is that they make an informed decision.  

What is your teaching philosophy?  Will you dictate to me what I should or should not do?

I believe that a woman has a right to make informed choices, given the unique circumstances of her labor.  I teach as "middle of the road" as possible with it comes to pain medicines and medical procedures.  I don't believe in dictating to women what they must or must not have.  I also follow this same philosophy when I attend births as a doula.  

about my birth philosophies

What made you decide to teach childbirth classes and become a doula?

I had great births with both of my children, and after my first I really became aware that I had a passion for helping other women achieve a positive birth experience as well.  Seeing the need in the Erie community for a class that met the needs of women that would benefit from a more in-depth education, I became certified by ICEA as a childbirth educator, which was not easy.  I later certified with DONA International as a doula.  Being a doula is a natural extension of teaching.  

Do you believe that an unmedicated birth is possible?

Absolutely.  I had no pain medications with my children, and have had the pleasure of doula-ing many women who made the choice to not take pain medications.  

What is your position on medical interventions?

First, it is important to understand that I don't dictate what decisions you should make.  There are too many variables in birth and this is your birth experience, not mine.  Like most doulas, I am against routine intervention without a medical reason.  When I teach classes, we discuss under what circumstances an intervention may be needed, and the benefits and risks of these interventions.  It is then up to each individual to decide for herself what is best for her particular situation.

about doula services

Do I need a doula if I have a midwife?

It is a common misconception that a midwife has the ability to provide one-on-one care, continuously.  While it is possible to get lucky and be the only patient a midwife will have in labor, the odds are very good that this will not happen.  By hiring a doula, you can be assured that you'll have someone with you that focuses on you only.

How long have you been a doula?

I began attending births in 2003.

Are you certified?

Yes.  I am certified as a childbirth educator through ICEA and as a doula through DONA International.

How many births have you attended?

As of July 2007,  I've attended between 20 and 30 births, and seen a great number of variations in labor.

Do I need to attend your childbirth class in order to hire you as my doula?

I prefer to attend births where the mom has attended my classes, because I know what she has been taught and have developed a rapport with her during our time together in classes.  However, it is not a requirement. 

When should I contact you about being my doula?