Improve Birth Outcomes Dramatically!

During my daughter’s birth. I labored in a tub was rocking all my tools, presence and breath.

But then I transition hit and I was DONE.

Every fiber of my being felt like…”I just can’t do this anymore!”

I began to actively resist the contractions.

My doula brought her face close to mine and said, “Sheila, look into my eyes and breathe with me.”

I surrendered into her calm loving presence and with her breath, it felt like she carried me through to the other side where I was ready to push.

Could I have made it through anyway?

For sure.. but it would have been excruciating and exhausting.

With her gaze and presence, everything in me relaxed and the intensity washed over me.

Research on doula care has found that having a doula at your birth results in a

25% shorter labor
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in pitocin use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

Dr. John Kennell, one of this study’s researchers declared:

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

So… expectant mothers, if you want to dramatically increase your chance of a positive outcome in birth, have a doula at your side!

In this Conversation to Transform Birth with seasoned doula, childbirth educator, and community leader and birth advocate, Sarah Hartman, we talk about the elements of PRESENCE that make doula care so effective–

Most notably- the OXYTOCIN FLOW- -her presence facilitates!

We also discuss how doula care is a central piece in improving poor maternal morbidity rates in at risk communities.

Sarah Hartmann is VP of the Long Island Doula Association (LIDA), a certified birth and postpartum doula and a childbirth educator and has a diverse background in public service and communication.

“My work as a doula and with LIDA pulls generously from my experience in each of these professions. The work is always about human understanding, knowledge, accessibility and outreach, and being able to communicate all of that in a caring and effective way.”

I’m proud to share that Sarah is also a current participant in the Ecstatic Birth Practitioner Training!  In this conversation you will also be able to hear how integrating and embodying pleasure has deepened her practice and presence.

Some Nuggets from our Conversation:

**The quality of PRESENCE a doula embodies is key
** Laughter can be a great source of both tension relief and labor support
**Doulas can bring oxytocin flow to their clients through their own bodies
** Providing doula care in at risk communities improves outcomes and is core to community support and outreach
**Nourishing your own body as a care provider deepens your capacity to hold space for your clients
**Birthworkers have a responsibility to look at their own patterns to make sure they are supportive and conducive to the flow of birth

…and so much MORE!

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