Discodoula??
It seems a little funny to have a page to talk about myself, because being a doula is completely about focusing on the families whom we serve. I do believe, however, that it is important that a doula "click" with her clients, so in that vein, a little about myself...
A Louisiana native, I have lived in the Shenandoah valley since 1999. My husband and I have    Discokids whom we homeschool. Besides pregnancy and birth, my other interests include, reading, natural living (especially with regard to diet and child-rearing), and good music--hence my name. I am an avid listener, singer, and dancer to good music. Fear not! Neither disco nor any other amazing musical genre will appear at your birth unless you have brought it there yourself! As your doula, I fully support all your musical tastes, even if they are not mine!
On a more serious note...
Becoming a doula was as natural a decision for me as was the decision to homeschool. I learned what a doula was, thought, "YEEEESSSS!!!!!" and was on my way as soon as the opportunity presented itself. I am currently certified as a birth doula through DONA, and am working on my childbirth education certification through CBI .
Each woman has her own "birth philosophy". A doula should not impose her own birth philosophy on her clients. My most important duty is to know your specific thoughts about and wishes for your baby's birth so that I can do my utmost to see your vision come to fruition.
I consider myself fortunate to have had vastly different birthing experiences, because that has taught me that choices a woman makes for one labor, she may not make for another. If none of my labors were the same for me, how foolish it would be to impose my experiences on you! In that vein, I will provide you information, but I will not make your choices for you. You will receive full informational, emotional and physical support from me to the best of my ability.
Many women think that doulas are only for those who want homebirths, or natural labors. This doula is a doula for all women, because even women with fast labors, epidurals or planned c-sections need support.
I don't care who you are--older mom, younger mom, teen mom, married, single, first-timer or experienced. I would be honored to be your doula.
Lastly, a word (or book) about Mom's primary support (called "Dad" here, but could be Mom's mother, sister, or friend depending on her circumstances). No matter what the birthing experience is, all Dads appreciate the extra support, whether it be explanations, reassurance that all is normal, giving new ways to comfort Mom, keeping him fresh with food and drink, fetching things for Mom so he can spend his time bonding with his family, taking pictures...you name it.
I am not there to usurp Dad's position, but to enhance and support it.
One of Dad's most awkward moments is after delivery, when Mom is still being cleaned up and possibly receiving stitches. He wants to be with Mom in her discomfort, but he also really wants to be with his new baby, who may not be right on Mom's belly. Being with Mom at that time is a pleasure for me because it frees Dad up to enjoy baby without guilt. It also enables me to "mother" Mom through the difficult first hour or so postpartum. Dads can bask in being Dad while the doula tends to the chills, shakes, stitches, thirsts, questions, etc of the newly delivered Mom. It helps for Mom to have someone with her who has been through it before, and Dads may not realize that even though labor and delivery are over, the hardest part is still sometimes yet to come.
All in all, I am very passionate about birth and assuring that Mom and Dad's memories of their baby's birth are the best they can possibly be. As I say, if I'm not having babies right now, then I want to help others have their babies!
Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me! I am eager to meet and start learning about YOU!
If you are possibly considering me as part of your birth team, please give me a call anytime at 540-533-8692 or email me at discodoula@comcast.net. References are available upon request!
Best wishes to you!!
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