The Journey Begins

transition

What is a doula?

The Greek word doula means woman caregiver. We now use the word to describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her husband or partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during and just after childbirth. A doula does not provide medical care

Why hire a doula?

Several studies have shown that a doula’s presence can contribute to shorter labors, less medical intervention, and reduced rates of Cesarean sections. By providing non-judgmental support, I will assist you in having the childbirth experience of your choice.

Birth Doula Services

My services include two pre-natal visits where we review medical history, birth plans, coping measures, and just get to know each other. I would like to meet your partner and those who may be with you during your delivery. I will join you once you are in active labor and will stay with you in your hospital room or at home for several hours to assist with breastfeeding. After several weeks, I will visit you at home, where we will review your childbirth experience and talk about any concerns.

Postpartum Services

Although there are many joyous aspects of being a new parent, there are times when we need a little extra care. This is when I can be of assistance. Other than physically assisting the new mother, many studies have proven that postpartum doula care helps her in other ways. Along with breastfeeding support and infant care, having a postpartum doula significantly reduces ones chance of developing postpartum depression.

As a postpartum doula, I provide nonjudgmental emotional and physical support, education, companionship and encouragement to a new family in the first weeks after the birth of a baby. I have received my postpartum doula training through CAPPA and am certified in infant/child CPR through the American Red Cross. Additionally, I am training to be a Certified Lactation Educator. and a Certified Labor Doula.

 

Baby

 

As your Postpartum Doula, I help you to create a calm, quiet, and positive atmosphere for the first few weeks or up to 8 weeks after the birth of your baby.

  • Provide breastfeeding assistance and information that you may desire.
  • Help with self-care recovery measures -  to ensure you are taking proper care of yourself.
  • Routine newborn care assistance through education and guidance.
  • Help care for an older child while mom tends to the newborn’s needs or care for the newborn while mom tends to or plays with the older child.
  • Care for the newborn while moms showers or gets much-needed rest.
  • Light daytime household tasks, tidying up

As your Postpartum Doula, I will NOT:

  • Perform medical care such as diagnosis or treatment
  • Pressure parents to follow a particular style of baby care
  • “Take over” caring for your new baby

Susan Ochoa

I live in southern California, where I make my home with my husband and our two children. I service the greater Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley area. I have received my certification as a Postpartum Doula through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association --www.cappa.net), from where I also received my Lactation Educator training. Also, I received my training as a Birth Doula through Doulas of North American (www.dona.org).

Please contact me to schedule a time for us to meet so that we can discuss how I might assist you further. Also email me if you have any additional questions about my services or pricing. Remember, gift certificates are available. They make wonderful gifts for someone who is expecting!

CAPPA


DONA

Testimonials:

"She was a valuable asset in helping my husband and I begin
our life with our newborn twins." -- Kimberly

"Susan's services helped speed my recovery from a C-section for twins.
We still miss her." -- Jessica

"From the first moment, my wife and I felt like Susan
was a cherished friend who had come to us
in our time of greatest need." -- Peter and Dawn

Website by August Afternoon Design