ABOUT MARISSA - THE DOULA
My doula journey started with a twin birth story...
As a Christian, I know God is the author of life. Knowing this doesn't always make the journey easy. For two years my husband and I struggled with infertility, seeking healing prayer, medical fertility assistance, and ultimately experiencing the miracle of becoming pregnant with twin boys. After a 37-week pregnancy, a 12-hour labor, an unplanned C-section, and the birth of two healthy 6lb boys, I was overwhelmed with gratitude that they were safe and healthy. While the experience was beautiful, I couldn’t help but feel that with an advocate, I could have had a vaginal delivery. Breastfeeding was a steep learning curve with many challenges--tongue ties, latch issues, thrush, mastitis, and supply problems (iykyk), but we did it!!
When I got pregnant with our third baby, we knew we wanted to hire a doula. My husband was just as eager as I was, especially after the intensity of our first birth. With the support of my doula, I had a beautiful labor and a successful VBAC, welcoming our third son into the world.
Becoming a Doula:
My bestie and her husband, after six years of trying to conceive, were miraculously pregnant! They asked if I would be their and I promptly signed up for a DONA birth doula class. I was overjoyed to join them on this voyage, but sadly, the pregnancy ended too early, with a traumatic birth and passing of their daughter. Despite the heartbreaking outcome, I stood by them, praying with and supporting them through it all. What a gift it was to be able to doula for my friends when they were ready to welcome their second baby girl into the world. It turned out beautifully! What a blessing!
Years later, I continue to be inspired by miraculous birth stories, coming alongside families to help peacefully welcome their new babies into this world!
Training:
I am a Certified Birth Doula (DONA). My training was thorough (birth doula, infant care and lactation, continuing ed, etc.)! The real-life training of planning for my own birth, postpartum, breastfeeding and parenting (with my amazing husband) and helping many other families do the same has been invaluable. I am always asking God for wisdom and applying it as I assist and care for laboring women and their partners.
What a beautiful, messy transformation to get to participate in. I love being a doula and feel honored to walk alongside families during such a profound, life-changing time.
SERVICES
Birth Prep & Plan
Together, we will create a comprehensive birth plan tailored to your needs and preferences. This service includes birth education, an overview of various birth options, creation of a birth plan pdf and empowerment of you and your birth partner to advocate for yourselves to your provider!
Birth Prep & Plan is a virtual prenatal visit (2-2.5 hours), including:
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Education about stages of labor, delivery, postpartum prep and help weighing benefits and risks of your options
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Suggestions for pain management techniques during labor
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Creating "birth plan(s)" to present to your physician, hospital staff and.
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Helping create a welcoming postpartum environment (comfort set-up, meal prepping, engage in church/community support)
Birth Doula Services
I provide continuous physical, emotional, educational and spiritual support. I am a non-medical professional who's sole focus is you. Support can begin as early as you'd like, but typically begins within the third trimester (beginning at 28 weeks).
Educational provisions
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Text, email and phone support throughout pregnancy
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Recommend prenatal and postpartum classes/books/communities,
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Evidence-based resources on pregnancy, delivery and postpartum topics
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Create list of questions for your providers
Preparational Provisions
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1-2 prenatal visits (1-2 hours each)
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Create "birth plan(s)"/birth preferences & how to discuss with your physician
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Make proactive referrals
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Help create a welcoming postpartum environment (comfort set-up, meal prepping, engage in church/community support)
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Identify and communicate expectations with birth supporter(s) and family members
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Help prepare your body with suggested exercises and nutrition to make pregnancy and labor easier
Labor Provisions
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On-call birth support until the birth of your baby
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Application of practiced pain management techniques (counter-pressure, movement, massage, etc.)
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Emotional & spiritual support, encouragement and advocacy
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Breastfeeding support after birth
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Phone support following birth
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1 postpartum visit (1-2 hours)