Mariam Self
~Certified Birth Doula (CBI)~
~Trained Hypnobabies Hypno-doula (HCHD)~ ~Trained Placenta Encapsulator~
Gain Confidence|Grow Empowered|Give Birth
"Peace......... It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."
A doula is a non-medical support person. We are trained to help with physiological birth. We know comfort techniques and positions to help birth progress smoothly and with more ease. We do not provide any sort of medical services or advice..... But we do hold your hand, hold your space and encourage you every step of the way. No matter what choices you make for your birth...whether that be intervention-free and unmedicated or whether you choose an induction and epidural, we will be there for you to help your voice be heard and help you make the decisions that are rightfully yours to make. You deserve a dignified, special birth story. You deserve a doula.
The Proof is in the Pudding....
Benefits of having a Doula
~ Decreased risk of C-section
~ Decreased use of pitocin
~ Decrease in epidural requests
~ Increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
~ Shorter labors
~ Increased success of breastfeeding
~ Increased bonding with baby and partner
~ More positive feelings about the birth experience
evidencebasedbirth.com childbirth.org
Published data indicates that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. --ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."--Dr. John H Kennell
Dads & Doulas
A doula gives the partner more freedom, by taking the pressure off to remember all he's learned in birth class or to be your sole support. It's my job to encourage your special connection and give him hints and ideas on how to help you, and to also give him the freedom to step out to take a breather or grab a bite to eat, if needed.
The partner can fade into the background with all the focus on the laboring mother. However, birth is an equally important, special and emotional time for dads and they should be supported as well. I want your partner to be able to enjoy the birth experience, as well as stand out and SHINE as the amazing support partner that he so desperately wants to be. A good doula does not "push" the partner out of the way and "take over", but rather, comes alongside and helps the partner support the mother. We work together to form your "dream team" to provide the best support system possible.
Read about a dad's experience with me as a doula:
"As a first-time father, I was a bit anxious about helping my wife during the birth of our child. However, from the very beginning, Mariam was incredibly helpful and put both myself and my wife at ease. She came to our house twice before the birth for preparation, where we were able to describe our ideal birthing experience, and learn countless techniques and tips so that we would be prepared. When my wife had questions, especially during the last few weeks of her pregnancy, Mariam was always available via text or call to assist.
When Mariam arrived at the hospital during labor, it instantly changed the trajectory of how things were going. She helped my wife with several different positions and counter pressure to help with the contractions, and provide constant encouraging support. We both felt an unbelievable amount of support and comfort, knowing that she was with us every step of the way. I had never even heard of doulas before we were pregnant, now I cannot imagine going through the birth of another child without Mariam.
Mariam even took several pictures post-delivery that were great to have, as well as provided us with our "birth story" in typed form when she came for our post-partum visit. She was professional, comforting, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable throughout the entire process. As fathers, it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly how to help our wives during delivery, and Mariam was able not only guide me, but guide my wife as well. It was a fantastic experience."
D. Hass
