Massage Doula Services
Women need a lot of support during the labor process. Labor can be the most intense event that a woman goes through. A Massage Doula supports the mother physically (non-medical), emotionally, and informatively. Having a Massage Doula present can:
- Shorten labor with fewer complications
- Increase positive feelings when remembering the birth
- Reduce the need for synthetic hormones and pain killers
- Reduce the use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Reduce the need for cesarean
- Improve the mothers ability to cope with the intensity of labor
naturally
- Dramatically increase the odds of a natural labor
- Help the mother feel empowered
- Improve breastfeeding success
- Decrease postpartum depression
-Allow mother to be more successful in adapting to newborns needs
- Improve the health of the baby
Why have a Massage Doula?
A Massage Doula has extensive knowledge of anatomy and has the ability to locate and relieve tensed muscles throughout the body. Additionally, those trained in acupressure are able to help with pain relief and the progression of labor. Because of the background a Massage Doula has in massage therapy, the human body is very familiar and she knows common areas of chronic stress and tension. The more relaxed a mother remains through labor, the quicker and less intense labor will be, the less likely baby will go into distress, and the less likely to need interventions. You will get one prenatal massage and one postnatal massage when hiring.
What does having me as your Massage Doula look like?
During labor I look for areas of tension in the body between and during contractions. Depending on what I find and what you want, I will massage the areas of tension during and/or after the contraction. You will be reminded to also let these areas go as I guide you through progressive relaxation to help you relax and breathe. During labor, pressure will be applied to acupoints to help you with pain and progression of labor. I will support your hip joints in such a way to relieve pain as the baby moves down. During the whole birthing process, I will offer words of encouragement and empowerment. I encourage the father to be involved in the labor, and I will give him tips and coaching on how he can help physically and emotionally. I will remind you to drink fluids regularly to avoid dehydration. In the event that some type of intervention is needed or if you have questions, I can provide you with the information you need to make an educated and informed decision. I will also act as your advocate to ensure your birth plan and wishes are known to the attending birth professional. I will suggest different laboring positions as needed. I will use essential oils as needed and desired during labor and postpartum. I will remain with you after the birth for at least 1-2 hours and possibly longer depending on your needs. Every mother and birth is different and I work to do what is best for you. My assistance is tailored to meet your needs and desires, to make your birth the best possible experience. To best meet your expectations and to make sure we are on the same page, this information will be discussed in two prenatal visits. I will also check up on you and the baby within 3-4 days after the birth to discuss the birth, answer any questions, and admire your baby.
“During massage, therapists can actually alter the sensation of pain by stimulating skin receptors connected to the brain. Such stimulation helps the mother’s body secrete oxytocin, which makes the uterus contract, and endorphins, which reduce pain.”
--Marshall Klaus, M.D., Neonatologist, U.C. Berkeley
- Shorten labor with fewer complications
- Increase positive feelings when remembering the birth
- Reduce the need for synthetic hormones and pain killers
- Reduce the use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Reduce the need for cesarean
- Improve the mothers ability to cope with the intensity of labor
naturally
- Dramatically increase the odds of a natural labor
- Help the mother feel empowered
- Improve breastfeeding success
- Decrease postpartum depression
-Allow mother to be more successful in adapting to newborns needs
- Improve the health of the baby
Why have a Massage Doula?
A Massage Doula has extensive knowledge of anatomy and has the ability to locate and relieve tensed muscles throughout the body. Additionally, those trained in acupressure are able to help with pain relief and the progression of labor. Because of the background a Massage Doula has in massage therapy, the human body is very familiar and she knows common areas of chronic stress and tension. The more relaxed a mother remains through labor, the quicker and less intense labor will be, the less likely baby will go into distress, and the less likely to need interventions. You will get one prenatal massage and one postnatal massage when hiring.
What does having me as your Massage Doula look like?
During labor I look for areas of tension in the body between and during contractions. Depending on what I find and what you want, I will massage the areas of tension during and/or after the contraction. You will be reminded to also let these areas go as I guide you through progressive relaxation to help you relax and breathe. During labor, pressure will be applied to acupoints to help you with pain and progression of labor. I will support your hip joints in such a way to relieve pain as the baby moves down. During the whole birthing process, I will offer words of encouragement and empowerment. I encourage the father to be involved in the labor, and I will give him tips and coaching on how he can help physically and emotionally. I will remind you to drink fluids regularly to avoid dehydration. In the event that some type of intervention is needed or if you have questions, I can provide you with the information you need to make an educated and informed decision. I will also act as your advocate to ensure your birth plan and wishes are known to the attending birth professional. I will suggest different laboring positions as needed. I will use essential oils as needed and desired during labor and postpartum. I will remain with you after the birth for at least 1-2 hours and possibly longer depending on your needs. Every mother and birth is different and I work to do what is best for you. My assistance is tailored to meet your needs and desires, to make your birth the best possible experience. To best meet your expectations and to make sure we are on the same page, this information will be discussed in two prenatal visits. I will also check up on you and the baby within 3-4 days after the birth to discuss the birth, answer any questions, and admire your baby.
“During massage, therapists can actually alter the sensation of pain by stimulating skin receptors connected to the brain. Such stimulation helps the mother’s body secrete oxytocin, which makes the uterus contract, and endorphins, which reduce pain.”
--Marshall Klaus, M.D., Neonatologist, U.C. Berkeley