BIRTH DOULA SERVICES
WHAT IS A DOULA?
DOULA
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/ˈdo͞olə/
noun
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Greek for servant.
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a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth
Hi! My name is Kinza Kirkman. I am a mother of three, artist, and doula living in Wilmington, NC.
I was dissatisfied with the delivery of my first child. No one prepared me for the amount of medical interventions that would be used, the rushed attitude of the care providers, or the lack of support to pursue an unmedicated birth. I felt blindsided and hurt. Why did it feel like pregnancy was a disease to be cured instead of a normal, natural function of a woman's body?
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With my second son, I decided to dive into learning about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. I educated myself and hired a doula. With preparation, passion, and support, I was able to have a redeeming unmedicated birth.
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A large part of that birth was my doula. She provided such invaluable support that the thought occurred to me...why doesn't everyone have a doula while in labor?!?
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So, I continued to study birth and I realized how passionate I am about it. Women deserve constant emotional, mental, and physical support all throughout labor. I decided to become a doula myself so that I could provide these services to anyone who wanted them.
LABOR STATS WITH A DOULA
31%
decrease in the use of Pitocin
25%
decrease in the risk of Cesarean section
SHORTER LABORS BY 41 MINUTES ON AVERAGE
for more evidence on doulas, click here
34%
decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with their birth experience
10%
decrease in the use of medications for pain relief
8%
increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
KACEY SAYS...
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Kinza was an absolute angel for me my entire pregnancy. She was so supportive and kept me well informed the whole time about different ways of coping, different podcasts, and ways of seeking comfort and therapy to make my pregnancy as painless as possible! Come game day, she was punctual, answered my call/text immediately and met me at the hospital in perfect timing! The whole pregnancy I insisted on a natural birth, and within minutes of being in the hospital I was already asking for an epidural. My husband told her and she asked me to wait until she got there to make any decisions. I mean this with 100% of my being, I could not have gone through that labor without her. She kept me calm, she kept me in the zone, she squeezed my hips, she advocated for me in every way, down to making sure the right kind of music was on. She coached my husband on the hip squeezing and he was able to take turns with her. If you’re wondering if you need a Doula for pregnancy/birth, the answer is yes and her name is Kinza Kirkman! You will not regret it!!
WHAT I PROVIDE...
BEFORE LABOR
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Prenatal visits where I help you know your options when it comes to care providers, labor, and delivery
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Resources and information to equip you to achieve the labor you desire
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Tips for your partner to be helpful to you throughout labor
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On-call availability starting at 37 weeks
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DURING LABOR
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Physical labor support through counter pressure, massage, water therapy, etc.
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Emotional labor support through a reassuring presence, encouragement, praise, etc.
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Support to assist your partner to know what to do to help you
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Advocacy for you and your wishes
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Increase awareness of what is happening through each stage
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Support for up to 2 hours after birth
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Help you feel comfortable, confident, and victorious!
