What is a Doula and Why Should You Hire One?

mollie.michel

WHAT IS A DOULA AND WHY SHOULD OYU HIRE ONE?

The Value of Birth and Postpartum Support

Presented by A Child Grows in Brooklyn

For complete event information, please visit http://www.achildgrows.com/what-is-a-doula-and-why-should-you-hire-one-the-value-of-birth-and-postpartum-doula-support/.

In today’s culture of highly managed maternity care and a c-section rate of over 30% nationwide (and higher in New York City), women are looking for more choices in their childbirth experience. One of the ways that women are taking a more active role is by hiring a doula to support them through their entry into motherhood.

However, there are still misconceptions about the role of a birth or postpartum doula and how they can support parents during this important time in their lives. In an effort to raise awareness about the options parents have for support during labor and delivery as well as the early postpartum period, A Child Grows (with support from A Birth Day Presence) is hosting a “What is a Doula?” forum on Tuesday, April 30 at 6PM at Birth Day Presence’s Park Slope Studio. Participating in the event are Mollie Michel, a birth doula and Certified Lactation Counselor, and Meema Spadola, postpartum doula and Certified Lactation Counselor.

Mollie Michel is a Brooklyn based, professionally trained (DONA) birth doula (since 2011) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC).  Mollie works with families of all kinds, including single moms, LGBT families, and mothers seeking support for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).  Prior to becoming a doula, Mollie spent 13 years as a non-profit fundraising and marketing professional for organizations like Lymphoma Research Foundation, Prospect Park Alliance, and SummerStage.  

Meema Spadola is a DONA (Doulas of North America) certified postpartum doula (since 2006), a Certified Lactation Counselor (since 2010) and a newborn care and breastfeeding instructor with Birth Day Presence. She has a particular interest in providing breastfeeding support, doing infant massage, teaching “baby wearing” and supporting mothers with postpartum mood disorders. Meema loves working with a diverse range of families, including single and adoptive parents and LGBT families. Before becoming a postpartum doula, Meema was a documentary  filmmaker whose films about body image and family issues have been broadcast on PBS, HBO and beyond.

A Child Grows in Brooklyn is the virtual “home” for Brooklyn parents and the first stop for expectant, new and seasoned parents. Learn about parenting resources, schools, camps, classes, neighborhood news, family friendly events, gear, trends and everything in between. A Child Grows’ premier event is back- join us for the 2013 Brooklyn Baby Expo on June 2nd.

Since 2002, Birth Day Presence has assisted thousands of families in a nurturing, non-judgmental way. Co-Directors Jada Shapiro & Anna Merrill use their experience as mothers, educators and doulas to help the families they serve. Our doulas are DONA

International and CPR certified. Birth Day Presence’s educators are Lamaze, CEA/MNY, and Birthing From Within certified.