"My husband and I had chosen to have a home birth with two attending mid-wives and had prepared ourselves with a TON of childbirth classes. We had discussed having a doula but our apartment is very small and we felt with two mid-wives we were covered. Then we met Diane. I clicked with her immediately and felt she had all the attributes that I would want in a doula, so at 38 weeks of pregnancy we decided to hire her, and I’m SOOOO glad we did. Although my husband had been thoroughly trained to support me in labor, there was a LOT of work to do in the short 12 hours of my labor. I found my labor extremely painful, was overheated and had trouble breathing through the contractions. Diane was imperative in reminding me to breathe, keeping me cool with wet washcloths, and keeping me hydrated. Having Diane there allowed him to concentrate on the important things and enabled my entire team to really support me fully. In addition, Diane really made it her priority to listen to our vision of the birth we wanted and supported us in attaining that vision. We highly recommend her highly." AC, New York, NY. 7/2012
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Birth Doula:
- Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
- Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
- Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
The MommyShape Naturopathic Doula Package
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MommyShape believes in supporting women physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout the entire perinatal period. The MommyShape Naturopathic Doula (MSND) package includes everything that mommy (and partner) need to be prepared and supported during the pregnancy, birthing, and recovery process.
As a Naturopathic Doctor and Doula, Dr. Diane Angela Fong will utilize her knowledge as both doctor and doula during every step of your birth journey. She will get to know you and your partner throughout the process so that on the big day, you will feel comfortable and fully prepared to welcome your baby into the world.
Included in the package:
Prenatal Doula Visit
In the comfort of your home, we will get aquainted, discuss the birth plan, schedule Naturopathic visits and/or MommyShape private lessons, and address your expectations and concerns for your labor.
Naturopathic Doula Labor Support
From early labor at your home to breast feeding support after birth, your Naturopathic doula will provide nurturing, encouraging support and continuous care for you and your partner during the entire laboring process until you and your family are ready for some quiet time together after the birth. In addition, with the approval of your midwife or doctor, Dr. Fong will utilize Naturopathic modalities such as homeopathy and Craniosacral Therapy during the labor if necessary.
Postnatal Doula Visit
A few weeks after the birth, we will meet in your home to review your birthing experience, receive memory photo album, help with lactation, and address any questions or concerns.
Three Naturopathic Visits or MommyShape Private Lessons
(20% off additional visits/private lessons as a MSND client)
Pre/Postnatal Naturopathic Visits:
Dr. Fong will do a thorough intake of your current and past medical history and suggest a variety of ways you may increase your health and well-being during the perinatal period. The postnatal visit may be used for baby as well, addressing any neonatal concerns that may come up in the first weeks of baby's life.
MommyShape Private Lessons:
Dr. Fong will help customize a pre/postnatal program for you and your child or partner (if you wish) which includes the MommyShape exercises and nutrition counseling that fit your specific needs. If you wish to include your partner, your doula will review childbirthing poses, breathing exercises and massage techniques that your partner can use to support you during labor. MommyShape will take you through all the steps necessary in achieving your personal fitness and childbirth preparation goals during your pregnancy and give you (and your partner) the tools to prepare for your labor, delivery, and recovery. MommyShape private lessons may be used before or after birth.
MommyShape Prenatal Complete DVD
Dr. Fong will be available to you throughout your pregnancy, but for those times when you're not meeting with her, you can exercise, dance, relax, stretch, and strengthen in the comfort of your own home using the MommyShape Prenatal Complete DVD.
Unlimited 24/7 Telephone Conversations
Dr. Fong will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for questions or concerns.
Birth Photo Slideshow
When your newborn enters the world, your naturopathic doula can be your personal photographer (with your permission) who will capture the first moments of your new baby's life. At the postnatal visit, she will give you a birth photo slideshow with the captured memories.
Contact Dr. Fong for more information or to schedule a meet and greet.