New Year's Babies

We have availabilities in January and February for new clients! Please call or email to set up an initial interview before the holidays!

Email: empoweredbirthdoulas@gmail.com
Tel: 415.424.4680

Vote for SFGH Doulas!

San+Francisco+General+Hospital+Volunteer+Doula+Program

Click the link above to cast your vote for the SFGH Volunteer Doula Program to receive a $10,000 Changemakers grant! Just think of how many more doulas could volunteer with that grant money...and how many more women will have better birth experiences!

Upcoming Events

Hello Bay Area parents and birth advocates!

Here's an update on the upcoming doula events in the area...

What is a doula? First meeting

Thursday, November 18th

6:30pm-8:30pm

731 Henry St., Oakland

We'll be discussing the formation of this non-profit, the goals of the organization, first steps, fundraising ideas, and the results of the survey. If you are interested in learning more about the organization and would like to participate, please RSVP to empoweredbirthdoulas@gmail.com. If you are unable to make it to the event, but would like to contribute still, you can take the survey via Survey Monkey!

San Francisco Birth and Baby Fair

Sunday, November 21st

10:00am-5:00pm

Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

Emily will be at the SF Doula table from 10:00 to noon as well as for the Meet the Doula workshop at 2:00pm. There will be tons of local birth and baby companies with tables at the event, and loads of interesting free workshops. Go onto www.birthandbabyfair.com to register!

Birthways Meet the Doula Night

Sunday, November 21st

6:30pm-8:00pm

1600 Shattuck Ave. Suite 122, Berkeley

Register here! These events are meant to be small and intimate so only 6 couples can register in any given month. Make sure to register early for this or next's month to ensure your spot. This is a free event.

Hope to see you there!

How childbirth preparation classes for men can improve birth outcomes

Ever heard of tocophobia? It’s a term used to describe the fear of childbirth. Researchers in Sweden have found that when expectant fathers experience tocophobia, it may have negative effects on the birth experiences of their partners.

The study found that many of these men were fearful not only of the process of childbirth, but in their roles as parents as well. There have been some signs to indicate that tocophobia contributed to an increase in cesarean sections, pointing to the need for birth professionals to address these fears with expecting parents.

The since the study, the Swedish Medical University has begun providing childbirth preparation classes featuring the use of psychoprophylaxis (relaxation techniques) for all expectant parents with good results.

Childbirth educators encourage both mother and partner to participate in class discussions to try and address these common fears about labor and early parenting. Educational models such as the Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, and Birthing from Within place a great deal of emphasis on the partner as a strong yet calm source of strength for the woman in labor by teaching the partner relaxation techniques like massage and affirmations.

Couples are encouraged to take these lengthier courses, independent of the hospital preparation courses to get a more complete training in birth support.

Additionally, hiring a doula can help parents receive one-on-one training in these techniques and a sense of security in asking questions concerning any anxieties in an intimate and supportive setting. Doulas also help the partner to feel comfortable that everything is going well in labor, knowing that the mother will never be left alone and that there is a constant source of guidance and expertise by their side.

For a list of childbirth educators in your area, visit the International Childbirth Educators Association website.

“The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because it is you. The contractions come from and are YOU. So they can not overwhelm, or be bigger than you, as they are only as strong as you are!”

—	http://birthbuddy.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/what-is-labour-like-useful-analogies/

Walking and Moving in Labor

Love this!

What is a doula? Survey

Not in the Bay Area and able to attend the first meetings? You can be apart of the organization anyway!

Please take this quick survey to help us make What is a doula? an amazing, informative, and inspirational group!

Click here to take survey