As a Birth and Bereavement Doula, Luana is there to support people who are pregnant and their partners on their road to parenthood. She can begin working with you through energy work when you are on your fertility journey trying to get pregnant. She will support welcoming a new life into your family in alignment with your birth vision and values. She will also be there to offer emotional nourishment and presence in the event of a pregnancy loss whether it's intentional , spontaneous, or a stillbirth.
Labor Doula-The word Doula itself is of Greek origin, meaning “a woman who serves.” A labor Doula provides hands-on, continuous non medical support throughout labor and delivery. This can be especially helpful, for example, for those who are pregnant and live far away from family or close friends. However, if they have a supportive partner on their birth team, a Doula supports by creating an environment where Partners are able to participate more fully. The presence of a Doula complements a partner's role and strengthens it. A Doula often can give suggestions and encourage the partner to touch, to talk, and to help in ways that feel truly comfortable to them and comforting to the mother. Partners, with the support of the Doula, are able to participate at any level that feels right and natural for them. In this way, they can experience fully the joy and wonder of watching their babies come into the world.
Doulas provide ongoing labor support specific to what brings you comfort. If you want a cheerleader to rally you on or if you need a silent space holder I will show up in the way that will best serve you during your labor. As your Labor Doula Luana will support you in a variety of ways including: coping techniques from massage to positions to breathing, giving guidance to a partner so they can be supportive in the best possible ways, offering calm and consistent reassurance throughout, communicating with a health care provider and hospital staff, assisting in beginning breastfeeding, and providing information about infant nutrition and feeding. Package includes unlimited phone/email support, 2 prenatal appointments, 1 hr Reiki session (can be used prenatally or postpartum), attend labor/birth, and 1 postpartum visit.
Bereavement Support Doula- Bereavement Support Doula offers support for pregnancy loss in any trimester. Services include helping families who receive a fatal diagnosis in pregnancy form a birth plan, help communicate their birth plan to others involved in their care, and help implement the plan according to the family’s wishes. A Bereavement Doula offers encouragement, support, and a listening ear. This helps foster a gentle, non-judgmental environment that helps parents experience their story, their way, creating the most optimal experience possible under the circumstances. The doula supports the idea that each family has been given a gift of time with their child and has the opportunity to embrace his/her life for as long as they are given. Bereavement support services also include facilitating a ceremony and creating memory-making items. Support Services are provided in person, on the phone, email, hospital, planned parenthood clinics, and birthing centers.
