I hold much reverence for the process of birth. A child entering the world is a sacred moment. I want to help support families to make their births their own. Every woman deserves to be honored, listened to, respected, and supported during this profound journey.

Helping support women and families during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting fills me up. I feel so grateful that the births of my two boys awakened me to my passion for being a part of the world of birth. It is a big one!

There is so much power and mystery in the process of experiencing your child’s birth. In a perfect world, a woman would be allowed the space to discover how she is going to BE, in that journey. I want to help guard and protect that. This involves an “ocean of emotion”, conquering, and then receiving the most precious reward of all times…your child. If this is your first child, it is the moment you become a mom. If it is not your first child, it is the moment you become another one of your children’s mom. Again, this is quite a time in one’s life. And for the partners, they too will be deeply changed forever.

Services / Skills

Prenatal: I meet with clients twice prior to birth, in addition to email and phone support. This provides an opportunity for us to get to know each other, discuss what type of birth you envision, keeping in mind the unexpected is always a possibility. I think it is valuable to touch on the “what if’s” for peace of mind, without allowing the fears to consume us. We go over questions / concerns, and review a birth plan. I also work with five other incredible doulas. We meet once a month with our clients, as a group. Expecting families (children welcome) are invited to attend as often as they like. We then welcome families back with their new ones to share their birth story. This is a chance to meet the “back up” doulas. It is also a delightful time to connect with other families, share ideas, and carve out some of your day to focus on your little miracle!

Birth: I will be on call for you 24/7. During labor I will provide comfort measure as massage, counter pressure, acupressure points, suggestions for position changes, keep you hydrated, and most importantly unconditionally encouraged. I always check in with couples prior to the birth regarding how the partner might like to be involved. I will check in again during birth and help hold the space for the two of you to discover ways of having your child together. I also have experience with children at births and am happy to be there for that support.

Postpartum: I offer two postpartum visits, 1-2 days after the birth, and 1-2 weeks after the birth. I provide breastfeeding support, light cleaning, light food preperation, or a break from your toddler. This also gives us a chance to debrief about the birth. Much insight can be gained when reflecting on such a sacred moment.

I also offer raw placenta preparation. In 2012, I will be able to provide placenta encapsulation. Our miraculous bodies can help heal themselves…just ask one of those brave moms who tried.

Education / Experience

Prior to becoming a part of the birth world, I studied Elementary Education at Edgewood College. I also had an incredible 8 years as a personal caregiver for one of my dear friends and teachers. I completed the DONA training in the fall of 2010. This coming winter I will be starting my journey as a midwifery student at South West Technical College. Births attended

Self, two; as doula, ten.

Margaret can be reached at 608-516-6343 or - romanopuravida@gmail.com.