Overview of Services

SERVICES

Labor

Studies show when a doula is present women have 25% shorter labors, 60% reduction in requests an epidural, 50% less cesareans, 40% reduction in forceps and 40% less use of Pitocin.

I accompany women in labor to help provide a gentle birth experience. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and working to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions in labor. I do not speak for you nor do I make decisions for you. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, and positioning and other techniques for comfort. I will be the continuity of care regardless of your length of labor. Others may come and go with shift changes, I will be there until you are settled in with your new baby.

Education

Studies show prenatal educational classes exert an influence upon maternal preferences. You do not know what your options are if you do not know your choices.

Preparation is one important ingredient for a gentle birth. Helping discover your options and learning some hands on techniques boosts your confidence as labor approaches. I have been an educator for over 19 years. I am a certified BOLD Birth Facilitator and trained Dancing for Birth instructor.

Class size is limited to offer intimacy & time for sharing. It is best to sign up by the beginning of your last trimester. I offer group one day workshops in Athens and Atlanta. I am able to teach privately in Athens. And I offer a fun Movement for an Easier Birth workshop for women at ReBlossom, in Athens, monthly. I offer prenatal consults and sibling preparation as well.

Postpartum

Having someone there to guide you in the early weeks after having a baby- to help you with breastfeeding, soothing the new baby and newborn care helps a mom be more rested and grow in her confidence.

Antepartum and postpartum doulas are “mother’s helpers.” Their role is to “mother the mother.”

I can assist you in learning how to bathe, massage, feed, and care for the baby. I know comfort measures and safety issues as well as swaddling and more.

My role is to help make this waiting period for the anticipating mom and the adjustment period after the baby’s arrival, one that will be as smooth as possible.

I can provide a 3 hour visit that I call a Soothing Session to help in the early days for those not wanting a full postpartum doula but want some early help.

Lactation

I am a retired La Leche League leader and have been a certified lactation educator and trainer. I offer guidance in breastfeeding, perfecting your latch, answering your breastfeeding questions and concerns. This is two hours to help you perfect your breastfeeding relationship. Getting help in the early days helps insure success.

I also have a great relationship with several IBCLCs and can offer resources to refer you to someone local for more complex issues.

I am a big believer in preparation- attending LLL meetings, taking a breastfeeding class or joining a support group ahead of the birth. If you want a referral to some of these types of preparation, let me know.

The link to request a visit is in the More Info link in Postpartum.

“Teresa was amazing! Loved the knowledge that she shared and really appreciate her candor. She really elevated the birthing experience I want to have by providing solid information and great anecdotes that will help me and my husband through the birthing experience. If you decide to hire her as a doula, I know you'll be in good hands. If you take one of her classes, just know you'll be in good company. Thank you so much for the wealth of knowledge and laughs!”

-Shawntel White, Atlanta

“ I wanted to thank you for your support during the birth. It all seems a little blurry to me but I clearly remember the relief I had when you walked in the door. From that moment forward your touch and word guided me. I knew about your experience and the sheer number of births you had attended when we first met but am still in awe of your skills. Your hands and words seem like they have the knowledge and stories of thousands of women’s births and strengths behind them. You knew exactly how to touch me and talk to me to keep me centered, even when I was begging for relief. Thank you a thousand times over. “

-Erin Hanauer, Atlanta

"I took your class 5 years and 2 babies ago - I just want you to know that what you taught me has carried forward to my interactions with my prenatal chiro patients daily. I literally go over B.R.A.I.N. at least 5x each day. Thank you for the impact you had on me for my births, how I view birth, how I approach supporting my patients and how that affects so many pregnant people/their babes in my office.".”

— Morgan Sheridan, now a chiropractor in Colorado.