What is a doula?...Do you help deliver babies?
Actually, I help deliver mothers!

Definitions for doula and postpartum doula from the DONA.org website:

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).

A Postpartum Doula

• Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
• Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
• Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary
  
  

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
A postpartum doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials PCD(DONA).

Do I still need a doula if my husband/partner/sister will be there?
Yes! A doula does not replace family support. Like your OB, midwife and nurse, a doula is there as a professional experienced in childbirth. This frees up family members and friends from the responsibility of being experts on birth. The family can then support the mother as they feel most comfortable. They can also look to the doula when they have questions. The doula can only answer non-medical questions and will refer medical questions to the appropriate care provider.

What's a CLC? CLC is a designation awarded by the ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) and the ALPP (Academy of Lactation Policy & Practice), to those who successfully complete the CLC exam. The CLC credential signifies that one has demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are thinking about breastfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breastfeeding/lactation. CLCs are dedicated to the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding and human lactation in their work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems.

Fees and Service
My fees are based on my current experience. I've attended over 70 births dating back to 2003. In 2010 I transitioned to doula work full-time, completed my DONA doula training and I also trained with a homebirth midwife. In 2012 I completed Advanced Doula training with Ina May Gaskin and Debra Pascali-Bonaro, and also completed my CLC, Certified Lactation Counselor training and certification. 

I have attended births at home, birthing centers, and most of the major Manhattan hospitals and many in the outer boroughs. Factoring in childbirth education, lactation and postpartum support, I've worked with more than 100 families. I am also continually attending trainings and workshops for birth and lactation continuing education. An initial consultation is free with no obligation. Total cost of my birth doula services is $1500.
If we choose to contract, I will provide:

• Two prenatal appointments at your home as time allows, and/or other agreed upon arrangement,
• Access to my online files for more childbirth/breastfeeding info
• Be there for your birth, from as early as you call me until about two hours after the delivery,
• Thorough clean-up for homebirths,
• Support for breastfeeding if requested,
• One follow-up postpartum visit within two weeks, and
• 24/7 Phone and email support from contract signing to two weeks postpartum.

For additional postpartum care, I charge $50/hour with a 3 hour per day minimum. Regular postpartum & lactation hours are 10am-9pm. After hours are extra. Contact me for details.  Postpartum care/lactation support can be arranged whether or not I was your birth doula. 


Yoga Birth Method
The Yoga Birth Method is an 8-step birthing pathway using yoga postures, breathing and intention to prepare for a natural childbirth. It is practiced both prenatally and during actual labor and birth. The earlier in your pregnancy you begin learning and practicing the better, but you can start at any time and no previous yoga experience is required. I can incorporate the method into your two included prenatals, add additional sessions, or teach you independent of my doula services.

Private Childbirth Preparation Classes
The foundation for what I teach comes from Bradley, The Yoga Birth Method, Fear to Freedom, Hypnobirthing, and of course lots of practical birthing experience as a doula and mother. I am certified in all of these methods except for Bradley, which is self-educated.

Classes are customized to what you would like to learn together.  We can do a one day crash course or a few days series over a few weeks. My rate for private childbirth classes at your home is $65/hour.  A minimum of four hours is recommended. You can invite one other mom/couple  at the same rate. Three or more is $75/hr. With additional people you may want to allow for additional time for the additional questions. Of course when the class  happens, we can go off the planned topics, and/or deeper into any specific topic that interests you.


What if...?
"What if you cannot attend my birth?" While it is rarely needed, I do have wonderful back-up. In the unlikely event that I am unable to attend your birth, I would send qualified back-up with similar experience and philosophies to myself. When I contract with you, I am committed to being at your birth. Not because of the paper, but because this is who I am, I want to make sure things go as well as possible, and I know how important this is!

Due Dates
Your due date is approaching and you haven't found a doula yet? Contact me via maiysha@maidoula.com and we can set up an appointment to meet in person. Emails are usually returned the same day. If I don't get right back to you, I may be at a birth and I will get back to you as soon as possible. 

I take clients in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn & Queens.