In today's technological world it is easy to forget how to nurture a laboring woman.  We know birth gives the deepest, most intense physical sensations and the widest range of emotions experienced in a day!  We also know that a woman will remember her birth vividly, poignantly and accurately and the care a woman receives has more impact than the physical events of labor.  This places her support person in a difficult and stressful role as someone who is responsible for understanding these sensations and emotions, knowing the intricacies of birth, comfort measures, which labor and pushing positions to use; all while communicating with healthcare providers and being a memory keeper -- a tough job for anyone not fully trained! This is where hiring a certified doula is invaluable!

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A Doula...

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The Cochran Review found 23 trials involving 15,061 women that demonstrated those who had continuous labor support were more likely to give birth spontaneously without forceps, vaccum or cesarean, to have a satisfying experience and to have a slightly shorter labor.  They were less likely have pain medicine or have a baby with a low 5 minue APGAR.  No adverse effects were identified.  They concluded that all women should have continuous support during labor.  Continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the woman's social circle, is experienced in providing labor support and has at least a modest amount of training, appears to be most beneficial. 

And now during this Corona pandemic supporting laboring persons and their families is even more crucial.  Hospital policies are changing daily.  Currently only the partner may accompany the birthing person in labor and must stay the entire time or abide by visiting hours.  We know many US hospitals that are overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients and have restricted all visitors including a laboring persons support person.  Clearly these policies are not done in haste and the gravity of the situation is clear to everyone.  As your doulas we are in communication with our area hospitals and providers so we can best to support you and your family.  And while virtual support is not the same as in person support we know the benefits far out weigh the risks of leaving a person alone and unsupported during this incredible time of their life.  We want you to know we are here for you and have put strategies in place to help you and your partner navigate the best and safest way to birth your sweet baby into the world.  We will help you sort through choices and decisions you never thought you would been making.  We believe in you.  We know your strength.  We know your resilience.  We know you can do hard things.  And we will be there to help you every step of the way, however we can.  Stay Safe.  Shelter In.  Flatten the curve.  Enjoy those little (and not so little) bumps and kicks!  Your baby will have one heck of a birth story to tell one day!  

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Vanessa Flood

Hi There!

We are two friends each with 3 kids, 1 dog and a love for doula-ing!  I trained Alli as a birth doula 4 years ago and we became fast friends.  As a photographer she shot my brother's wedding, both my daughter's senior photos and their homecoming!  She loves all things birth but with a professional photography business she cannot take on a full private practice.  So we backed each other up.  And it worked well.  Then my mom got sick and Allison came to my rescue.  She supported my clients while I supported my mom.  And all my repeat clients sang the same praise--- "Alli is wonderful!  You guys are so similar.  She said all the same things you do!  We were in great hands."  At that point we knew we had something special.  I am still primary doula for all my clients, as she is for hers.  But we back each other up, provide support for each other's clients.  I teach and provide lactation support for her clients and she provides ah.maz.ing photography for my clients with outstanding doula support.  It has allowed us to be more present with our families.  We know if something unexpected happens our clients will be well supported.  Working together at the end of a labor where I am supporting and she is documenting all the fresh moments or doubling up our postpartum visits with doula support, lactation help and fresh newborn/family photos feels all the feels.  We love this work.  And are so happy to be a part of your BIRTHday!

Allison Flemming

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