Your Birth Doulas in the Greater Indianapolis Area:      Julie Pichon, CD(DONA) Avon, IN Cell: 317-514-8677 julie@birth-by-design.com   --- Ana A. Vallow, Doula in Certification Greenwood, IN Cell: 812-725-3981 ana@birth-by-design.com Birth by Design Mission: We believe that birth is a natural process and is a gift given to a woman by her Creator. With tender and nurturing support, the woman in labor has the unique opportunity to be an active participant in the birth of her child. --- Psalm 139:13-16 "Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; You formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God-you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration-what a creation! You know me inside and out, You know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was scultped from nothing in something. Like and open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day." --- What else should I know? A birth Doula stays at the woman’s side throughout labor and birth, providing undivided attention and support. During this important time, the Doula provides multiple suggestions for comfort, and an objective point-of-view, which helps the woman make important decisions for herself and her baby. Studies have shown that when Doulas attend births, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. Doulas are becoming an integral part of the labor and birth team. She acts in a non-medical capacity, and does not replace the woman’s partner or clinical care providers  ---  What Is a Doula? Doula is a Greek term, meaning "mothering the mother." She sees birth as a key-life event, which will be remembered by the mother all her life. She understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of the woman in labor. She knows multiple comfort measures such as massage and good positions to aid in comfort during the birth process. She meets with the mother/couple prior to birth to learn birth preferences and to assist with birth planning. She stays with the woman throughout labor and birth. She assists the mother's partner and family throughout labor and birth. She facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and the staff. She helps with breastfeeding preparation and the first feeding after birth. She writes a birth story for the family.  --- Please see our Doula Training page for current information on DONA certified doula training in your area!
Evelyn Grace	julie@birth-by-design.com ana@birth-by-design.com www.dona.org