Birth Doula?
Welcome. I’m Mara-Diana - a certified birth doula with DONA International. In another country, you might not need me. As you give birth, you would be surrounded by older women from your family or village who could provide the experienced support you need. Here in the US, most women only attend their own births. In place of the supportive older woman, a husband or partner has had to step up to support the mama. Unfortunately, with little birth experience, even the most loving of partners may have a difficult time knowing how to care for the birth mama.
Birth doulas are trained professionals that give emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing mamas and their families. Typically this support is given during meetings throughout the pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and during postpartum. As a doula, I want you to feel empowered, supported, and encouraged. This is your body, your baby, and your birth experience - an event you will remember for the rest of your life - and I want it to be a sacred and wonderful memory that you will treasure.
Doulas also help the mother establish initial breastfeeding during those critical first few hours after birth and provide postpartum support in follow-up appointments.
In a birth setting, a doctor, nurse, or midwife can all be supportive but their focus is ultimately on both your health and the health of your baby. My job is to tend to you - mama - to your whole person. How are you feeling both physically and emotionally? Are their any needs you have? I will help you move into all sorts of positions to help optimize your baby’s position and to help with discomfort during labor. Do you need your feet rubbed? Counter-pressure on your back? A double hip squeeze? Hot packs for your perineum during pushing? I can make sure that happens. Part of my role is to help dad/partner get involved, but I can also give your partner a break to eat or rest for a bit. I am here for you - your sweet growing family.
"Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily."
- DONA International
I remember going to the library and running into a mama who was a former client of mine. I feel so blessed to have a job where I can run into mamas and babies around town and remember that sweet and sacred moment when their little one came into the world. I love seeing how these sweet babies grow so fast. I love seeing mamas and how they have adjusted into this new beautiful role in life. Thank you for inviting me into one of the most intimate moments of your lives!
- Mara-Diana CD(DONA)
What you can Expect
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Prenatal
Two prenatal meetings to explore and discuss birthing mother’s priorities, hopes, fears or concerns
Evidence-based information on the risks and benefits of common interventions and procedures used during childbirth
Plan how doula and birthing family might best work together and develop birth plan
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Birthing Time
24/7 on call support starting at 37 weeks
Continuous emotional and physical support during labor
Encouraging mothers to use their voice in open communication with medical staff
Engaging birthing partner in effective support measures
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POSTPARTUM
Initial breastfeeding support in immediate postpartum
Photos of newborn and family (if desired)
Two postpartum home visits to answer questions, provide feeding support, and process birth experience
What People Are Saying
“Having Mara-Diana at our birth was the best decision we made. She acted as guide and defender of the precious time and space that is birth. We had an unexpected change of plans taking us from birthing center to hospital and she was there to ensure the transition was smooth and that the new staff respected our birth plan. She was able to transform a moment of panic into one of calm strength. We are forever grateful she was part of our journey!”
— Anna
“I’m a doctor. I’ve seen a lot of births. Mara-Diana knew exactly what she was doing! She walked us through the process of having a baby with ease.”
— Tommy
“Having Mara-Diana as my doula was nothing other than a gift. She showed me various labor positions, gave me breathing techniques, and helped me use my voice in our local hospital. Thanks to her guidance, I was able to have a total of five children naturally!”
— Gabrielle
Let’s Talk.
