Birth and Postpartum Doula

Hi, my name is Karen and I am birth and postpartum doula. I also am a certified childbirth educator, lactation counselor and registered nurse. I live in Saint Johns, Florida.

Are you pregnant and looking for guidance on what to expect during your pregnancy and upcoming birth? Would you like help deciding on your birth preferences or birth plan? Are you nervous about the labor process and would like someone with you who can support you and your partner as you navigate this life changing event? Maybe you’re looking for help after your baby/babies arrive. I provide birth and postpartum doula services including lactation counseling and childbirth education in the greater Jacksonville area, including St. Augustine, Florida.

I was not familiar with doulas over 25 years ago when I had my children. Even though I successfully gave birth to my two boys, I would have had a more pleasant and less medically invasive birth experience if I had a doula. So, I’m happy to provide this service for other mommas no matter what your birthing plans are. I’ll work with you and your partner to provide the birth experience you desire.

I’m trained and certified as a birth doula through DONA International. I’ve taken Hypnobirthing classes and a Spinning Babies workshop. I’m also VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarian) certified. I’m a Certified Childbirth Educator and Certified Lactation Counselor. Plus, I’m a Registered Nurse with experience working in postpartum and newborn nursery. If you’re looking for an in-network Tricare provider, I may be able to offer you birth doula services and lactation counseling at no cost. I also work with Pomelo/The Doula Network, which allows me to offer services to those with certain Medicaid plans.

Would you like more information? To set up a free consultation, contact me.

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• Certified Birth Doula CD (DONA)
• Certified Childbirth Educator CCE (ACBE)
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

Hello, my name is Karen and I’m a momma to two grown sons. I’ve been a registered nurse in Minnesota and Florida for over 30 years and served in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Included in my experiences I worked as a postpartum and nursery nurse as well as an in the home baby nurse/postpartum doula. My in-home experience includes day and overnight duties. As a certified birth doula, I hold one-on-one consultations, attend many births, and help during postpartum recovery. I’m also trained as a certified lactation counselor and childbirth educator. Therefore, I can assist with breastfeeding needs and teach you about pregnancy, labor and birth in a group or private setting.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with every aspect of pregnancy, childbirth and babies. My personal and professional experiences allow me to provide caring prenatal, childbirth and postpartum support to other mommas here in northeast Florida. I would love to support you in creating and obtaining your ideal birth experience! Giving birth should be your greatest achievement, not your greatest fear. Let me help you as your doula.

To set up a free consultation, contact me.

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Central to the Spinning Babies approach are a series of exercises and techniques designed to encourage optimal fetal positioning. These include gentle stretches, movements, and positions that aim to relieve tension in the mother’s pelvis and encourage the baby to assume the best possible alignment for birth. By incorporating these practices into their prenatal routines, expectant mothers can potentially reduce the likelihood of complications during labor and increase their chances of a smoother and more efficient childbirth experience.

In addition to practical exercises, Spinning Babies also emphasizes the importance of maternal awareness and intuition throughout the birthing process. Tully encourages mothers to listen to their bodies, trust their instincts, and advocate for their own needs and preferences during labor and delivery. By empowering women with knowledge and tools to support optimal fetal positioning and facilitate a smoother birth, Spinning Babies offers a holistic approach to childbirth that prioritizes maternal comfort, safety, and empowerment.

For more information, visit the official site.

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1. Feeling a Gush or Leak: The most common sign is feeling a sudden gush of fluid. This can feel like a big splash or just a small trickle. Some women feel a lot of water come out at once, while others feel a slow, steady leak. The fluid is usually clear or slightly yellow and doesn’t have a strong smell.
2. Wet Underwear or Clothes: If a woman’s water breaks, she might notice that her underwear or clothes are wet, even if she didn’t feel a gush. This can be confusing because it might feel like she accidentally peed a little. One way to tell the difference is that amniotic fluid usually keeps leaking, while urine might stop after a moment.
3. Constant Wetness: Unlike other types of discharge that might come and go, amniotic fluid often keeps coming. If a woman feels wet all the time or keeps needing to change her underwear, it might be her water breaking.
4. Change in Activity: Sometimes, a woman might notice the fluid more when she changes positions. For example, if she stands up after lying down, she might feel a trickle of fluid.

If a woman thinks her water has broken, she should let her doula know. It’s important to get checked to make sure everything is okay with her and the baby. Sometimes, the doctor might want her to come to the hospital to be sure.

It’s also good to remember that not all women have their water break before labor starts. Some women might have their water break after they are already having contractions. If a woman is unsure, it’s always best to check with her healthcare provider.

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There are several reasons why a doctor might decide to induce labor. One reason is if the baby is overdue, meaning it has stayed in the womb too long. Another reason is if there are health problems with the mother or baby that make it safer for the baby to be born sooner. For example, if the mother has high blood pressure, it might be better to have the baby come out earlier.

The process of induction can be done in different ways. One common method is using a medicine called Pitocin, which is given through an IV to help start contractions. Another method is to use a special gel or insert that helps to soften the cervix, the part of the body that needs to open for the baby to come out. Sometimes, doctors might break the water bag around the baby to get labor started.

Induction of labor can sometimes take a while. It might take a few hours or even a couple of days for the baby to be born. Doctors and nurses will keep a close watch on the mother and baby to make sure everything is going well. It’s important for both to be healthy and safe during this process.

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One of the primary considerations for VBAC and TOLAC is the safety of both the mother and the baby. While vaginal birth is generally associated with fewer complications and faster recovery compared to C-sections, there are risks. These risk can include uterine rupture. Uterus rupture is a rare but serious complication where the C-section scar on the uterus tears during labor. Healthcare providers carefully assess factors such as the reason for the previous C-section, the type of uterine incision, and the presence of any medical conditions that may affect the likelihood of a successful VBAC or TOLAC.

The decision to pursue VBAC or TOLAC involves discussions between the expectant mother and her healthcare team. They will weigh the potential benefits and risks based on individual circumstances. Several factors must be considered, such as maternal age, medical history, and the interval between pregnancies. Empowering women with the knowledge and support to make informed decisions is crucial in ensuring positive outcomes.

Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery VBAC – ACOG

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Another major benefit of HypnoBirthing is the potential for a shorter labor duration. The relaxation and breathing techniques taught in HypnoBirthing classes encourage the body to release natural endorphins and other hormones. These hormones help facilitate the progression of labor. The absence of fear and tension allows muscles to work more efficiently, often resulting in a faster and smoother delivery. Many HypnoBirthing practitioners report experiencing fewer medical interventions, such as inductions or cesarean sections, which can further contribute to a quicker recovery post-birth.

HypnoBirthing also promotes a deeper connection between the mother and her birthing partner. Partners are actively involved in the process, learning how to provide effective support and encouragement during labor. This collaborative approach creates a more positive and empowering birthing environment. The partner’s presence and participation can enhance a mother’s sense of comfort, leading to a more harmonious birthing experience.

Lastly, HypnoBirthing can lead to improved postpartum outcomes. The emphasis on relaxation and positive mental imagery during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. Mothers who practice HypnoBirthing often report feeling more in control and satisfied with their birthing experience. This satisfaction can contribute to a smoother transition into motherhood. These techniques offer benefits beyond childbirth, managing stress and promoting overall well-being for both the mother and her baby.

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Labor Inductions

The process or treatment that stimulates childbirth and delivery with either pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical methods. Some of these methods are membrane stripping or sweeping, nipple stimulation, raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, foley bulb, pitocin, medications, or breaking your water/membranes.

Pain Relief Measures

These can also include either pharmaceutical or non-pharmaceutical methods. Some of these methods are nitrous oxide/laughing gas, IV pain medication, epidural, breathing techniques, distraction, music, massage, warm shower or bath, keeping active, TENS, counter pressure, hip squeezes or even a comb.

Labor and Birthing Positions

There are many options and devices available to you during labor and a vaginal delivery. These may include a birth ball, peanut ball, CUB, hands and knees, squat bar or side lying.

Cesarean or Belly Birth

Even if you need to have a scheduled or unscheduled surgery to remove your baby through your abdomen there are still some choices that you may have. These include having your partner and/or doula present, using a clear drape at delivery so that you can see your baby after being born, playing your own music in the OR, having pictures taken, or having skin to skin as soon as possible while still in the OR.

Newborn Medications

They will asked about your baby receiving antibiotic eye ointment, vitamin K injections and the first Hepatitis B vaccine. I can provide you with evidenced based information to help you decide which of these medications you would or wouldn’t like in your birth preferences.

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On the other hand, evidence-based childbirth focuses on utilizing scientific research and empirical evidence to inform decision-making throughout pregnancy and labor. This approach emphasizes the importance of medical interventions when necessary, such as fetal monitoring, pain management techniques, and surgical interventions like cesarean sections, based on proven effectiveness and safety. Evidence-based childbirth seeks to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes by following established protocols and guidelines supported by rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials, aiming to minimize risks and complications during childbirth.

While holistic childbirth places a strong emphasis on natural methods and spiritual connection, evidence-based childbirth prioritizes the use of medical technology and interventions backed by empirical data. However, it’s essential to recognize that these approaches are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Many expectant parents choose to integrate elements of both holistic and evidence-based approaches, creating a personalized birth plan that incorporates aspects of natural childbirth along with medical interventions as needed. Ultimately, the decision between holistic and evidence-based childbirth often depends on individual preferences, cultural beliefs, and medical considerations, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and personalized care during the birthing process.

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The Doula Network is a group of caring and trained professionals called doulas. Doulas are people who help mothers before, during, and after childbirth. They provide support, information, and comfort to mothers and their families.

The Doula Network connects families with doulas in their area. They help find the right doula to support them during their pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas in the network are trained and experienced, so they know how to help mothers feel safe and comfortable.

Doulas can provide emotional support, which means they listen to the mother’s feelings and help her feel calm and confident. They can also give physical support, like helping the mother find comfortable positions during labor. Doulas can teach breathing exercises and other techniques to manage pain.

Another important part of a Doula’s job is to provide information. They can answer questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and taking care of a newborn. Doulas can help mothers understand what to expect and how to make decisions that are right for them and their babies. They can also help communicate with doctors and nurses to make sure the mother’s wishes are respected.

The Doula Network also offers resources for new parents. They can find articles, videos, and classes on many topics, like breastfeeding, baby care, and postpartum recovery. This helps parents feel more prepared and confident as they begin their journey with their new baby.

Having a doula can make a big difference in a mother’s childbirth experience. Studies show that mothers who have a doula are more likely to have a positive birth experience. They are less likely to need pain medication or medical interventions like a cesarean section. Doulas can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which is good for both the mother and the baby.

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