Doula Services
A guide on the journey of birth |
Giving birth is an intense physical and emotional journey. Doulas are trained to support women and families throughout their labor, delivery and postpartum. Recent scientific evidence points to many benefits of having a doula by your side. You can read about the science at The Evidence for Doulas & Evidence Based Birth.
I trained as a doula with Debra Pascali-Bonaro and am certified by DONA International, a worldwide organization of doulas who uphold high standards of practice and ethics. I have undertaken advanced doula trainings and attended the assistant midwifery school at The Farm Midwifery Center, created by Ina May Gaskin in Summertown, TN. I am also a certified breastfeeding counselor and a trained postpartum doula. I have been attending births as a doula since 2011 and continue to hone my skills with advanced study to further the depth of knowledge so that I can provide the best possible care to the families I serve.
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My Clients' Perspective: |
I felt so comfortable having Ires as our doula, having already known her as my prenatal yoga instructor from 11 weeks to the final days of my pregnancy with identical twins. She was so warm, excited & encouraging - she absolutely helped me to feel that giving natural, vaginal, painkiller- and epidural-free birth to our twin babies was a reachable reality, not the far-fetched pipe dream that some tried to persuade me it would be. Ires was always honest and realistic, noting that medical interventions might indeed be necessary at some point - in any birth - but that she could be there for me & for my husband to support us in our preferences. Well, not only did I give our babies that natural birth with Ires' support, but she stayed with us for what turned out to be a VERY long hospital process - and made it FUN! We laughed in the halls and did yoga poses up the walls!! She helped me through what I now know was transition, my moment of "I can't go on," and seemed to know the exact things I needed to hear. Ires clearly loves what she does, and believes in the true magic and spiritual unification that a birth brings to a family and the world. I could go on and on! Ultimately, we were moved that she was moved by our experience - she was the one who took our first new family photo in the delivery room, after all! - and we wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Thank you, Ires!!" Jen J. My VBAC would not have been possible without the support of Ires. She was a steady and tireless presence throughout my long labor for both me and my husband. Because I'd had a c-section with my twins I knew the hospital would be eager to perform surgery if my labor did not progress smoothly; all I had to do was say the word. When things got challenging, Ires remained cool and confident, believing in me and the process without putting any additional pressure on me. With her calm and attentive support I was able to persevere, knowing she would be there for me no matter what kind of delivery I had. I will be forever grateful to her! -Lisa G. 
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