My mother shed her protective love down around me, and without knowing why, people sensed that had value.
– Maya Angelou
Photo by Ash Duranceau
Birth with Ananda
Ananda is a state of being. This Sanskrit word means bliss or divine joy. There are few times that I find myself in this state: deep in asana or meditation, extended periods in nature, singing kirtan, and being in service as a doula. It brings me great joy to be present as a labor companion, providing gestational parents (and partners) with equanimity, as they navigate a monumental milestone. When birthers feel supported continuously throughout labor from an experienced birth doula, evidence shows that the outcomes are better for parent and baby.
Rebecca Decker
Overall, people who receive continuous support are more likely to have a normal vaginal birth and less likely to have pain medication, negative feelings about childbirth, and Cesareans. In addition, their labors are shorter and their babies are less likely to have complications at birth
or be admitted to a NICU.
PhD, RN, APRN Evidence Based Birth
Labor holds the opportunity for parents to experience ananda, or bliss body, as you welcome baby into your arms. It also presents a lot of difficult emotions such as anxiety, fear, or discouragement. Simply put, labor can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs. My aim is to help birthers feel in control of their bodies and respected, no matter what they might encounter. I enjoy teaching expecting parents how to stay embodied and calm your nervous system during labor.
As a perinatal and labor support professional, I’m in it, breathing, holding, singing, dancing with you. I have an intuitive approach and try to sense how to best support you in all realms (physical/emotional/mental/spiritual). People who come to me for support during birth become like family – you look out for each other’s wellbeing and safety on a holistic level. My aim is to create a culture of inclusion and safety for all birthers, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, religion, age, or education.
An enneagram 7, I am a renaissance type person. I enjoy using my studies in yoga, energy healing, somatic therapy, herbalism, and nutrition to incorporate into what I teach to parents. Throughout my experience as a doula, I have continued to study and train in alternative wellness methods to teach parents new coping skills for the natural stressors of adapting to newborn life.
Using Reiki, I’ve assisted in the process of sacred womb reclamation. Reiki Healing has facilitated several of my clients toward feeling safer expressing their sensuality and creativity. Please inquire more if that calls to you, or check out my energy work page.
If you would like to schedule a 30-60 minute introduction meeting, you can use the link below. This is a great way to see if I can offer the services that you are looking for.
At the end of the day your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling.
Shanti
Birth with Ananda 