I am a doula because I seek to support women in the same way that I was supported by a doula during the births of my own children. I believe strongly in the idea that as women we must give back as much as we receive in nurturing from others. By being a doula for others, I hope to encourage women and their partners during birth and beyond.

I am committed to empowering women to make informed decisions for themselves, their children, and their families. My hope is that a positive birth experience will empower women to be the best mothers that they can be, and that their resulting self confidence will enable them to transfer this sense of well being to other areas of their life in the period following the birth of their child.

My philosophy of birth is that mothers and their partners have an intrinsic sense of what is best in their own unique personal experience. I seek to encourage a mother’s sense of knowing and trust in how to birth her baby. I wish to provide information, encouragement that whatever choices that a mother and her partner make are to be respected, and that they make those choices in an atmosphere of trust that carefully withholds judgment.

I understand the varied nature of the possibilities in which birth happens based on the births of my own four children. The births of each were unique, and my sense of well-being following their births varied according to the sense of encouragement, nurturing, and acceptance that I experienced during their births. Further, I have significant breastfeeding experience, having nursed each of my children for periods between six months and three and a half years depending on their needs. While I am not an experienced doula yet (and my pricing appropriately reflects that!), I am an experienced mother and I am confident that I can provide just the right mix of assistance before and during the birth experience of my clients. I have completed the doula training workshop and am actively obtaining my Doulas of North America certification. In addition, I have the mentoring assistance of a very senior doula who is willing to provide backup support if a mother finds that comforting. Finally, I can provide insight and support on the transition of adding another child to a family based on my own experiences.

Services / Skills

Lending library, wide variety of relaxation techniques, birth ball, hands-on support/comfort measures, photos and video, birth stories, belly casting and comprehensive postpartum care.

Education / Experience

I completed the Doula Training Workshop (March 2010) and am currently completing certification for Doulas of North America. I am also volunteering for Small Miracles Doulas.

Special Services

Childbirth preparation, labor support, breastfeeding support, sibling support, lending library, written birth story and photographs. During labor I will assist with massage and encouragement, and I will work to ensure communication and support from your partner.

Births attended

Self, four; as Doula, five.

Karla can be reached at 608-234-1052. or via email at 4windsdoula@gmail.com.