Colorado Springs Natural Childbirth

“Children are a heritage of the LORD: and a reward from Him” Psalms 127:3

What is a Birth Doula?

A doula, also referred to as a Labor Assistant, is an individual who offers one-on-one support for a woman in labor as well as her partner and family. ALACE doulas provide continuous, uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her partner, helping them participate fully in their experience by offering physical and emotional support and information about the birth process and their available options. Doulas also typically support pregnant women through portions of the prenatal and postpartum period.

Why hire a doula?

The presence of a doula can lead to a:

• 60% decrease in use of epidurals
• 50% decrease in cesarean sections
• 40% decrease in use of pitocin
• 30% decrease in use of pain medications (narcotics)
• 30% decrease in use of forceps

In addition, long-term benefits of labor support include:

• Improved breastfeeding
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Greater maternal satisfaction
• Better mother-infant interaction

(Information compiled from Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus; Addision Wesley Publishing Company, 1993).

Why hire an ALACE doula?

ALACE doulas are known for their trusting support of the natural birth process. ALACE doulas are trained using a program which incorporates research in psychology, sociology, and anthropologyóbut above all has been developed and guided principally by women. We respect birth as an intimate act and a creative expression of love. We believe that it is possible to help strengthen family bonds through improving the experience of birth.

I am a student doula, working on my required number of births in order to recieve full certification from ALACE.

As such, I offer a reduced fee of $350. This includes:

free interview
one prenatal education class in your home
one postpartum visit
one meal
Your education.information folder
discounted complete childbirth education classes, if you choose
attendance at our Labor Skill Workshop, for no cost

if you feel you qualify as a "family in need" I will attend your birth for free. In need families include the following:

Births that will be induced for medical reason

familes who are recieving state aid ie. foodstamps or Medicaid

families who are without medical insurance or have no insurance coverage for their Homebirths

My Education in Natural Birth
Certified Childbirth Educator with the Association of Childbirth Educators and Labor Assistants, 2006
Childbirth Assistant Training offered by A.L.A.C.E., 2007
Member: Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS), 2004-2008
Member: Independent Childbirth Educators (I.C.E.), 2005-2008
Member: Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Member: Trust Birth Initiative, 2007, 2008
Ongoing required Certified Education Credits (for ALACE) and self motivated study
Member: The Birth Network, 2007, 2008

Expectations of the Client
Honest communication on issues that have bearing on your childbirth experience