Birth and Postpartum Doula
My practice takes the shape of each birth and family. I fully trust a mother’s ability to give birth, and I know the importance of companioning to access her inner power.
Read more:
What is a doula?
A doula is “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” DONA International
Birth doula support results in:
39% less likely cesarean section
15% more likely spontaneous vaginal birth
31% less likely synthetic oxytocin
10% less likely pain medication
38% less likely low five minute Apgar score
31% less likely negative experience of birth
Here you can also find more evidence about why doulas are an effective support.
What does doula support look like?
Physical support – touch, massage, counter pressure, rebozo, calming environment, water, warmth and cold therapy, food and drinks, fascia therapy, support in movement and positions.
Emotional support – continuous presence, reassurance, encouragement, praise, company and caring, mirroring, mirroring, optimism, acceptance, empathy, working through fears and self-doubt; debriefing after birth.
Informational support – guidance through labour, suggesting techniques for breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning; preparing with evidence-based information and explaining medical procedures; helping and involving partners.
Advocacy support – asking for the preferences of the birthing person, supporting and amplifying her voice, encouraging the family to ask questions, creating space to make decisions, supporting constructive communication.
Further reading
Midwife Ibu Robin Lim (“Placenta – The Forgotten Chakra”), doula Debra Pascali Bonaro (“Orgasmic Birth”) and midwife Mala Landt trained me as a doula with DONA International.
In Berlin, I am part of the Center for Doula Pathways, a collective of doulas who support each other, trained by Camalo Gaskin and Marcello Windolph. I rely on a back-up doula as an extra guarantee of support for the families I follow, and I reach out to my community to exchange knowledge and experiences.
In Mexico I was trained by local midwives in Maya massage for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum.
Fascia touch is a wonderful approach that I use prenatally, at birth and in the postpartum.
Spinning Babies® techniques help restore balance and make room for the baby in the mother’s body.
This is a beautiful video course for future parents featuring Michel Odent and Liliana Lammers.
A doula is a birth companion, and I have come into this role with deep respect.
My practice of doula and yoga teacher are independent but share the same qualities.
