"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it"

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and birth outcomes is the continuous presence of educated birth support, such as a Doula. Research continues to show people who received continuous support from a Doula were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, and Caesareans. In addition, their labors were shorter and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth.  

I support births in hospitals, homes, and birth centers. I support a wide variety of birth experiences that include medicated, unmedicated, or via cesarean.

My service area includes Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire. Depending on distance additional fees may apply. 

Placental encapsulation is the practice of ingesting the placenta after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground, and placed into pills.

It may seem like a trend but the custom of consuming the placenta is centuries old.  It’s a tradition founded on honoring this miraculous organ and self healing.

 The placenta is a temporary organ created by the body during pregnancy.  The placenta delivers nutrients and oxygen to a developing baby and it is full of vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, and iron.  The placenta is also hormone rich with progesterone and estrogen. With the exception of a few species, all mammals consume their placenta after giving birth.  Some speculate that this is because of the nutritional benefits that consuming a placenta can offer after birth.  Anecdotal evidence on placenta consumption in human beings is overwhelmingly positive.

The possible benefits of placenta encapsulation include: a decrease in postpartum mood disorders, increased production of oxytocin, a decrease in stress hormones, restoration of iron levels following bleeding after birth, and increased milk supply.  

According to the American Pregnancy Association, placenta encapsulation has demonstrated to assist with mood stabilization through supplementing oxytocin levels.  Additionally, this suggests that placenta encapsulation has a potential regulatory effect on postpartum hormones, which can affect both postpartum mood and milk supply.

Awesome! I am all about empowering my clients to advocate for themsleves and make decsions that are right for them. I’ll be there to support you every step of the way. I can offer support through Epidural placement. Once your Epidural is placed I can assist with position changes to encourgae labor progress, keep you comfortable, and support you through the pushing phase. Once baby is born I can assit with intial feeding, skin to skin, and ensure your family has everything they need before I depart. 

I do my best to prepare my clients prenatally so they can understand how the procedure is performed, what recovery looks like, and what they can expect.  I am happy to support those who are having a planned Caesarean. I assist with creating alternative birth plans. I will support you through the procedure as allowed by the hospital. I will support you once you are in recovery with intial feeding, skin to skin, and ensuring your family has everything they need. 

I am currently a part of the Medi-Cal Doula Program with the California Department of Health Care Services. I can also provide itemized bills for reimbursement for clients whose insurance offers Doula Support Coverage.