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

Dr. John H. Kennell

We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.

Laura Stavoe Harm

You do not need any more strength. You need only to realize how strong you already are.

Vironika Tugaleva

WHAT IS A DOULA

Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide continuous compassionate support before, during, and after labor. They serve as an advocate and translator between the birthing person and medical staff, while also providing extensive knowledge on various labor-related subjects to the expectant parent(s).

Maria is a Birth and a Postpartum Doula, which means she offers both of these services.

Birth is one of the most powerful and beautiful experiences someone can have in their lifetime — as well as one of the most challenging for body and mind. Hence, why the quality of your labor experience can deeply impact your relationship with your baby, your partner, and yourself.

A Doula’s mission is to secure the best possible birth experience for you and your family. During labor, a doula focuses on ensuring the mother feels comfortable, safe and advocated for. A doula will also educate, support, and train your partner, so both can work as the world’s best caring team for you!

You can think of a doula as your lifeline. By combining the magic of information and trust, he or she can deepen the magnificence of the experience.

SERVICES

Birth Doula

As your birth doula, Maria will support you and your family throughout the entire pregnancy process.

She offers a 1-hour complimentary consultation in a place of your choosing. This meeting will allow you to decide if you and she are a good match. Maria offers a variety of services that will be discussed in depth with you in the meeting.

Should you decide to invite Maria on your pregnancy journey, she’ll be available by phone, text, or e-mail throughout all of it, and on-call 24/7 from week 38- 42.

These are some of the things you can expect:

Two prenatal

visits

Focusing on your birth plan
Training on various useful birthing positions that’ll help you relieve stress and pain during labor

Labor, birth, and aftermath

Once you go into labor Maria will be by your side for as long as you need her
She’ll stay after the delivery to ensure you bond with you baby
She‘ll stay until your baby is breastfeeding peacefully, and you’re calm and content!

Postpartum follow-up visit

Extra support for you and your newborn
Troubleshooting
Referrals to relevant health providers if necessary

Postpartum Doula

As your Postpartum Doula, Maria will help your family adjust to the new situation for up to 12 weeks after the baby is born. She requires a minimum of 16 hours of work per family, which she can expand depending on the level of support needed.

These are some of the things you can expect:

Ensuring

a gentle start

Stocking and setting up the nursery
Completing errands, grocery shopping and light housework so you can rest and bond with your baby

Tending

to you

Preparing healthy, delicious, and nutritious meals
Preparing baby formula (if applicable)
Keeping you hydrated
Overnight stays and around the clock doula support
Offering non-judgemental emotional support and companionship

Preparing for challenges

Troubleshooting with sleep cycles, feeding
Referring to medical professionals if needed
Providing reliable sources of information for further reference

Maria is happy to cater her services directly to your individual needs. The aforementioned duties are just examples of the assistance she is able to provide.

ABOUT

As a Birth and Postpartum Doula, I have been honored to serve many families in New York City from varying backgrounds and household incomes. I honed my skills at the renowned Doula Trainings International and am certified in Infant and Child CPR. I am also a Certified Lactation Consultant and trained in Mental Health First Aid, Spinning Babies and HypnoBirthing.

I believe it is every birthing person’s right to choose the kind of birth they want and to have an abundance of support throughout their entire journey of pregnancy. The depth of my knowledge and continuous attention to detail, allows me to guide families with great care, especially when facing potentially difficult or emergency situations that need to be evaluated in critical moments.

The fifteen years of experience running my own wellness company – where I practiced as a Health Coach and Life Mentor – give me the ability to care for my clients on a deeply personal level. I have a passion for cultivating empowered birthing persons and healthy babies through education, compassion, and nurturing.

When I’m not doula-ing, I’m doing yoga, going on adventures with my husband, dancing, and musing on life’s many mysteries.