Allison Castaneda, Certified Birth Doula
As a birth Doula, I accompany women and their partners in labor to help ensure a satisfying birth experience. I have completed training and certification by DONA International and The Matrona and will draw on my training, research, and experience to provide emotional, physical and informational support. You can count on me to provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions to help labor progress, and help with relaxation through soothing touch, positioning and other comfort techniques. As an independent doula, I work for YOU, not the hospital or your caregiver. Services include up to 2 prenatal visits, birth support and one postnatal visit.
Birth Doulas Can Reduce Need for Medical Interventions
My philosophy as a doula is to ensure you are supported and informed so you can have the best birth experience possible. I am here to advocate for you. Is a natural birth your goal? I can help you attain that. Do you want an epidural as early in labor as possible? I can help you through that, as well. Is the best thing for you a surgical birth? I can support you through those circumstances, also. Your wishes, feelings of support, and being active in the decisions made during labor and birth are my only concern.
Placenta Encapsulation
Preparation, dehydration, and encapsulation of the placenta in my client’s home, according to traditional Chinese medicine. This 2 day process may increase positive feelings and energy in the postpartum period. According to some studies, women report less instances of postpartum mood disorders, increased success in breastfeeding, and an increased feeling of bonding with their babies.
Classes
Childbirth Education
Complete Birth Class Series
I offer a series of 6 classes, approximately 4hrs in length each, geared towards where you are in pregnancy. The early pregnancy class discusses provider choice, nutrition, comfort during pregnancy, and more. The labor class focuses on the anatomy and physiology of labor and comfort techniques to manage each part and stage of labor. Lastly, the fourth trimester class talks about healing in the postpartum period, breastfeeding, and choices you may need to make for yourself and your baby. If the series start date does not fit your schedule, that is OK! Ask about a la Carte and the rotating schedule. The next series starts 8/20/22. Call soon because the first 3 couples will receive a 25% discount on classes!
Services
Belly Binding Birth Photography
• Belly Binding is a short tutorial given during the postpartum visit for doula clients or on the 2nd day of the encapsulation process for placenta encapsulation clients. Cotton material for binding is included in the fee.
• Ask about birth photography services through my associates. Although I can take some quality photos, my priority is to give support. This may mean I can miss some moments that a photographer would be able to capture.
After giving birth, women who utilized birth doulas experience higher success rates with breastfeeding, less postpartum depression, see their new baby as “better than a standard baby”, and are more satisfied overall with the whole birthing experience.
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