WHAT IS A DOULA AND WHAT CAN ALLISON PROVIDE FOR YOU?
Child birth and what is known as the 4th trimester (the first three months of a baby’s life) is when mothers are at our most vulnerable and it is understandable—normal!—to feel confused, exhausted or overwhelmed. Childbirth educators and doulas prepare future parents as they embark on this most important journey, and travel with them every step of the way to make this transformation to parenthood.
Balancing the latest health options and prenatal information with personal wishes and goals, a doula will support and nurture her client, advocating for her unique outcome, while powerfully connecting her with a like-minded network.
What is a doula?
Birth doulas are trained professionals that provide continuous, one-on-one care, as well as information, physical and emotional support to birthing persons and their partners. Doulas help slow down things down in the birth space advocating for their clients allowing birthing parents to have autonomy over their birth. Advocacy is defined as supporting the birthing person in their right to make decisions about their own body and baby.
Evidence on Doula Care from Evidence Based Birth
25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)* 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff
For more information about doula care, visit this link.
A doula’s aims include giving a woman the tools and power she needs to grow in self-awareness, self-worth and self-acceptance… and to leave behind the painful emotions of guilt, frustration or inadequacy so many women feel during pregnancy and childbirth. With her qualifications from the Birthing From Within program, Allison will guide parents with confidence, skill and kindness through creative art processes, meditation and breath-work, allowing them the gentle, enriching birth they desire. In addition to her professional birth training, she has had three unmedicated hospital births.
why allison?
I'm the doula for you if …
You want an empowering birth experience with supportive, non-judgmental care
You desire a more holistic approach
You're a first-time parent or you’ve had multiple births already
You plan to have a hospital birth; you plan to birth at home or at a birthing center
You desire an unmedicated birth, you plan to have a cesarean section or you’re not sure what type of birth you’ll have yet
You believe in the power of yoga, meditation, essential oils and/or herbal medicine and are curious about using them during birth
words from allison
I am here to nurture you through your birth and those challenging first few months of mothering a new child.
When you feel alone, I will help you find joy in the darkest of times, and connect with others to normalize your experience.
As you learn new lessons about yourself, I will hold space for you to grow.
If you doubt yourself, I will help you discover your infinite divine feminine power and your own light.
You are so worthy.
what allison’s client’s say
“Allison wasn’t just there for my wife. She was there for me, too. We had no idea how impactful her knowledge, determination, and realistic nature would be until we were in the heat of it all, when we were rushed into the hospital five weeks early. Halfway through the labor, my wife wanted an epidural, but it was too late at that point. She even considered a c-section to make the pain stop. It was madness, and we were not emotionally prepared for it. Luckily, somebody was. That was Allison. She answered our call at 1am and rushed to the hospital to stand by our side, literally holding my wife’s knees while I got to kiss my wife and tell her ‘you’ve got this.’ Allison really showed her true value when she gave me confidence during the hardest part of the labor. There was a point, and I’m ashamed to admit it, I wanted to quit and runaway. I looked at Allison, sweating from holding my wife’s legs up, and she gave me this look that I’ll never forget. It gave me a second wind and I knew we could handle the birth or our baby girl. Allison is the reinforcement I never knew we wanted and needed, and we will choose her to be our doula time and time again.”
-Alex
“My work as a yoga teacher and my own transformational postpartum journeys are what led me to birth work. With each birth I attend, I feel more awe and gratitude for the amazing female body. I will inspire you to honor and respect your personal path to parenthood. I will encourage you to own your motherhood story, at your pace, in your own unique way.”