Providing birth doula support services to expectant families I'll do my best to keep this short, but this is my story of how I came to birth work. IT. WAS.
I started my working career in 1998 - first a teacher, then an executive assistant, and recently spending the last 10 years managing events. It always seemed interesting in the beginning, but I never really felt fulfilled, like this is what I was supposed to be doing with my life. But like many of us, I was stuck and didn't know what I wanted to do, afraid to walk away from a secure, good paying j
ob. Then COVID happened...and it woke me up, jolting me out of the unhappy routine I had settled into. In order to cope with what was going on, I started meditating, completed my reiki training (Reiki Master, oh yeah!) and began work in earnest on trying to understand myself and the world on a more spiritual level, asking myself all the questions that people typically do...Why am I here? Is this what I'm supposed to be doing with my life? Is this all there is? What are we ALL doing here?? Once you start asking yourself those types of questions, the Universe starts answering...or rather you start paying attention. The first nudge came from a pregnant friend of mine who asked if I would be her birth support person at the hospital in June 2020. She had originally planned to have her mom with her during birth while her aunt from Florida came up to watch her first daughter. But with COVID, her aunt couldn't travel, so her mom needed to stay with her daughter. When she asked, I jumped at the chance given this would probably be my only opportunity to experience firsthand the miracle of birth. And I just really wanted to help support my friend! AMAZING. Watching a tiny human come out of another human being is the most incredible thing I'll ever be a part of. It was a beautiful and humbling experience – being able to support my friend and bear witness to, and participate in, one of the most memorable and sacred moments in her life (and mine). A few months later, the second nudge from the Universe came from another friend who was due with her third child in late December 2020. Originally, I was just going to be helping care for her two children while she gave birth at home. But fairly early the morning of New Year’s Day (thank God I did not celebrate NYE:), things started progressing more quickly than anticipated. I arrived to their house first, before her mom, the midwife and the nurse. I could hear intense moans coming from upstairs and knew the original plan was scrapped...she was in full-on transitional labor! I definitely remember thinking...holy sh**, am I going to have to catch this baby?? But thankfully, the awesome midwife – a mutual friend of ours from college – arrived 15 minutes after me. I helped her prep, brought in reiki energy to support my birthing friend through her contractions and 15 minutes later I was witnessing a second miracle! Being able to support two of my friends during this magickal time was so rewarding and fulfilling and humbling. I am in awe of mothers and how strong and capable they are. It's then I learned what a doula was...and not soon after that, I decided that this work was the path for me. So, I took the doula training, left my job and started my own doula business! I am so honored to be doing this work and providing a safe, comforting, supportive space/environment for birthing parents. It is truly my hope that your birth experience is the best that it can possible be for you and your family. What areas do I service? I provide services within an 80 mile radius of Baltimore, MD. What services do I offer? Please see the Services tab. Resources https://wetheparents.org/doula-science#infographic https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/ https://www.dona.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DONA-Birth-Position-Paper-FINAL.pdf
What is a doula and why are they important? A doula provides expectant parents with emotional and physical support, provides informational resources on birth and helps the parents with advocating for the birth experience they would like to have. Doulas play an important role as a support person, not only for the birthing parent, but for the partner as well. Research has shown that having a doula present lowers the use of interventions and medications, can improve the bond between mother and infant and can provide a more positive birthing experience. When should expectant parents engage a doula for services? Expectant parents should consider interviewing doulas at the beginning of the 3rd trimester. Doulas can provide various packages for their services. A basic package typically covers 1-2 prenatal visits, the labor and birth, and 1-2 postpartum visits, with additional pre/post visits available at an hourly rate.
11/13/2021
Just a reminder that tomorrow, Sunday Nov 14, is the ask your local doulas event happening at Urban Life Center from 11 am - 2 pm. Come with your questions about pregnancy, birth, and how doulas provide support!
Are you currently expecting or thinking about starting a family? Curious about what a birth doula does and how they can support you and the birth experience you desire? Come talk with local doulas on Sunday, November 14 from 11 am – 2 pm at the Urban Life Center in Baltimore, MD.
Research shows that people who use a birth doula are:
- less likely to need Pitocin
- less likely to have a c-section
- less likely to use any pain medication
- more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively!
Stop by to chat and enjoy a free juice or smoothie on us!
Hosted by: Mo Akande, Angie Mogensen and Akemi Tsuru.
11/08/2021
Are you currently expecting or thinking about starting a family? Curious about what a birth doula does and how they can support you and the birth experience you desire? Come talk with local doulas on Sunday, November 14 from 11 am – 2 pm at the Urban Life Center in Baltimore, MD.
Research shows that people who use a birth doula are:
- less likely to need Pitocin
- less likely to have a c-section
- less likely to use any pain medication
- more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively!
You have the right to decide what you want your birth experience to be - it’s your body, your baby and your choice. When you are educated, you are empowered to make informed consent decisions about your care.
As a birth doula, I can provide you with the information about your options and the tools you need to communicate confidently and effectively with your care providers.
If you’re in Baltimore, MD or its surrounding areas, DM me to learn more!
10/07/2021
Hi! I’m Angie! I’m a birth doula and here are 3 things you might not know about me.
1. I’m an English football fan. This pic is of me (on the right) and a few friends in London at a Tottenham Hotspurs game in 2019. COYS!
2. I love the rain especially when in the woods. It’s very calming and peaceful.
3. I’ve lived in Baltimore, MD for 12 years. Before that, I lived in Takoma Park, MD and Phoenix, AZ.
Pregnant in MD, DC or VA? DM me to schedule a 30 minute free consultation on how I can support you as your doula!
10/05/2021
One of the favorite parts of my job as a birth doula is to show partners how to offer hands-on support to you during labor. They always want to help, but they aren’t quite sure what to do!
As your birth doula, I’ll offer tips and suggestions that your partner can try to provide hands-on support to you throughout labor.
It’s never my intention to take over.
It’s my job to help partners be involved even more in the process.
If you’ve had a baby, what did your partner do that felt good during labor? Tell me in the comments!
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09/29/2021
Lots of people ask what the difference is between a doula and a midwife. A midwife is an awesome medical professional who actually delivers your baby - either at home or in a birthing center or hospital. Midwives also provide medical care throughout pregnancy as well. A birth doula is a non-medical professional who provides physical, emotional, educational and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and immediately afterwards (postpartum). As a birth doula, I am there to support you physically and emotionally during this amazing journey. I do not provide medical care or advice but rather empower you with the knowledge to make informed consent decisions that are right for you and your baby. DM to set-up a 30 minute consultation to talk more about how I can help support you during your pregnancy!
09/27/2021
As a birth doula, I offer continuous support throughout your pregnancy and your labor and birth. So often pregnant people talk about the midwife or doctor that they really love and they hope that they are “on call” for their labor and delivery. But that’s the thing...it all depends on who is on call. You can get lucky and have a great nurse but they’ll have to leave at shift change. As your birth doula, I’ll be the one who will meet with you for every prenatal visit that we schedule and for the duration of your labor - no matter how long it takes. And my back-up doulas are given all pertinent information and the birth plan in case there’s an emergency that would prevent me from attending your labor/birth. In labor, knowing what to expect and having someone by your side that you trust helps you stay relaxed, grounded and confident. I service areas within a 70 mile radius of Baltimore. DM me to set up a time to chat about what birth doula support might look like for you!
08/06/2021
Its World Breastfeeding Week! Latch - A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence by Robin Kaplan, is a must for information and tips for breastfeeding success. Wonderful illustrations and easy-to-digest information. I highly recommend!
07/21/2021
Looking for a comprehensive guide on all aspects of birthing? Consider Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide. Based on the latest medical research and recommendations from leading health organizations, experts and parents love this book. It helps put parents in control so they can make informed decisions about their medical care - an important part in creating your unique birth experience!
06/16/2021
Bags are packed for my first client birth tomorrow!
11/13/2021
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