birth doula
A Holistic Birth Doula offers more than just support and guidance during childbirth - it's a service rooted in empowering women to trust their bodies and embrace the fullness of their womanhood and motherhood. At the core of the birthing experience is the woman herself, with her unique needs respected and nurtured. How a woman experiences birth and the postpartum period shapes the rhythm of our society, making the Doula’s role one of profound service, compassion, and transformative care.
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What is the difference between Doula and Midwife work?Doula is someone that holds a container for the mother, supporting her emotionally and providing valuable information. They do not provide medical care but rather work alongside healthcare professionals to ensure the woman feels supported and informed. A Midwife, on the other hand, is a trained healthcare professional who provides medical care throughout pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They are licensed to monitor the health of both the woman and baby and can deliver babies in hospitals, birth centers, or at home.
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Why having a Doula reduces interventions?There are many studies that proven that woman that receives Doula support is less likely to require C-sections, decreases the use of epidurals and pain medication, reduces the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, fewer episiotomies and shorter labor duration. In summary, because they provide emotional support, comfort techniques, evidence-based information and empower the woman to communicate what she needs with her Midwife and medical professionals.
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When should I hire a Doula?As early as you can, so that there is enough time for us to build a deep and trusting relationship. Added time would also allow us to discuss your birth preferences and be available for prenatal visits without rushing the process. However, many mothers chose to hire Doulas later in their pregnancy process as well, which is absolutely fine and still allows them to experience significant benefits throughout their birthing and postpartum processes. In sum, it is unique to your needs but I highly recommend engaging a Doula earlier in your pregnancy, if that’s a possibility for you.
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What’s the Doula’s role?Doula comes from Greek, meaning “Woman who serves Woman”. A Doula is someone trained to provide emotional support, guidance, presence, reassurance and information for woman (or couple) before, during and after birth. Having a Doula increases the chances of a safe and positive birth experience. The Doula provides comfort through breathing techniques, massage, and positioning during the birthing process. They offer emotional reassurance that reduce stress, they assist in the communication between the woman and medical team, ensuring that mother feels confident in asking what she needs. They also serve as container-holders so they help to maintain a calm and supportive environment, and assist the partner to become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.
birth through my eyes
I was invited to the birth world after a miscarriage that shaped many decisions in my personal and professional life. My interpretation of the loss of my baby was that it was an opportunity to embrace a new beginning, stepping up to change my own belief systems around conception, birth and postpartum. This made me begin this path of supporting other women on their own journeys through motherhood.
Conception and birth are one of the most natural processes of life. A woman‘s body has its own intelligence and capacity, and when cared and supported in a conscious way, it is able to create, sustain and birth when the right time comes. It’s a magical and transformative time in a woman’s life, leading her to a portal of deep transformation, and this time should be honored, held with care and love so she can experience this transition fully.
Women have historically birthed with the support of other women in their communities, because when they have a support system they are able to more easily transition into this role as a mother in a way that allows her to feel empowered and confident. Much of my work is about being part of her support system and showing up in a way that add value and intention in her path through motherhood.
Conception and birth are one of the most natural processes of life. A woman‘s body has its own intelligence and capacity, and when cared and supported in a conscious way, it is able to create, sustain and birth when the right time comes.
Giovana Malufe
what to expect
Conscious Birth
To have a conscious birth, it’s essential to listen your intuition, honor your needs and desires, and prioritize what’s truly important throughout this process. Preparing your body and mind before birth, carefully selecting those who will be there to support you, and fostering a deep connection with your baby are all key elements. My service offers a comprehensive approach to exploring and nurturing these aspects.
Ancient Knowledge
An important part of my experience and foundation is rooted in Ayurveda. This ancient science offers profound teachings on maintaining balance and health to support labor and birth. During our time together, I will share practices, rituals, and concepts from Ayurveda to help you create harmony within your body and life.
Postpartum Guidance
The postpartum window is a sacred window – a vital time after birth that, when planned and respected, can make the transition into parenthood smoother and more intentional. My goal is to provide support for women, allowing them to be fully present with their baby while giving space and time for their bodies to recover.
Universal Principles
The human body possesses its own innate wisdom, and a woman’s body holds a unique intelligence that knows how to create, nurture, and bring life into the world when the time comes. My role is to support you in connecting with this inner wisdom, helping you trust your body throughout your pregnancy and your baby’s birth.
Sacred Service
Being a Doula is both an honor and a calling, especially in today’s world, where the support structures of the past are often missing. This service is dedicated to guiding and supporting mothers and their partners through the profound transformation of parenthood. I believe that the way we navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum has the power to positively shape society.
Sisterhood
As a woman, I understand the profound strength that comes from being supported by other women within a community. Pregnancy and birth are significant rites of passage that bring deep transformation into a woman’s life. My intention is to be a part of your support system – a reliable presence you can count on as you journey into motherhood.