AMANDA YOUNG
HOLISTIC
*Please Note*
I am not accepting new Doula clients at this time
Labor and Postpartum Doula Care
The birthing year can be the most sacred and profound time in a Woman's life. Within this incredible transition, a Labor Doula, from the Greek meaning "a woman who serves", and a Postpartum Doula can help greatly to ease the transition from Woman to Mother. ~ Helping you to embrace the power of your physical body and the strength and tenderness of your inner spirit. As a Labor and Postpartum Doula, I provide care for Mothers and Families during the childbearing year. It is my intention to fully support your wishes, advocate for your best birth possible, empower you to make informed decisions and for you to reflect positively on the experience of your birth and transition into Motherhood.
From a study done by the prestigious Cochrane Collective, reviewing the benefits of continuous labor support, the authors found that over 15,000 women who had the support of a Labor Doula:
A Doula will furthermore hold a serene and calming space for you to labor in, minimizing disruptions, regardless of the birth location. Through the use of comfort measures such as massage, positioning, breathing, music, aromatherapy and continuous attention and focus from the Doula, together we will create a birth experience that you will reflect on positively. Doula's are also a fantastic support for Fathers and Partners. By respecting and encouraging your support, giving helpful reminders and allowing you time to rest when needed and enjoy this process with your partner, your bond will be strengthened and you will be able to provide the best support possible. ~ After all, you know how best to love and care for your amazing woman!
"If a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." - Dr John Kennell
As YOUR Doula, I can help to assure not only a sacred and smooth transition into this world through birth, but also for your transition as a family. The forth trimester is a time of many changes. A Postpartum Doula can help you understand these changes and to enter this new stage in your life feeling educated, nurtured and unified as a family. Depending on your specific needs, Postpartum care can entail breastfeeding support and education, assistance in the emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, help with infant soothing techniques, newborn care assistance during the day or overnight, light housework and meal preparation, family adjustment, accompaniment to doctor visits, discussing and recording your birth story and overall and most importantly, non-judgmental support and education in this vital period in life.
To all of my Doula clients, I offer a special reduced rate of $70 per/hour for Perinatal Massage. This rate applies for up to 6 months postpartum. The benefits of this work are plentiful both in preparation for labor and in the postpartum recovery period. Using a specifically designed prenatal massage table, an expectant Mother may lay comfortably on her stomach! Mother's in the fourth trimester and those that are nursing also find relief from this positioning. Babies are always welcome to accompany you, either in the room or on the table for postpartum treatments. Please refer to the Massage page for more information.
"Becoming a Mother is a great honor, for it’s a stepping into an ancient archetypal force and journey of discovery that our mothers and grandmothers and all women in all time have journeyed on. It is major, it’s powerful, it’s beautiful, it’s challenging, it’s empowering, it’s heart opening and it’s all encompassing. There is no doubt the experience defines us."
- Sacred Pregnancy
Currently serving Chittenden and the surrounding counties in Vermont
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were more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth;
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were less likely to have an epidural or other pharmaceutical pain relief
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were less likely to report dissatisfaction with their labors;
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had shorter labors
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were more likely to give birth without cesarean, vacuum, or forceps
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were less likely to have babies with a low 5-minute Apgar score
Birth Doula
"Birth is an opportunity to transcend. To rise above what we are accustomed to, reach deeper inside ourselves than we are familiar with, and to see not only what we are truly made of, but the strength we can access in and through birth. It is a rite of passage of women. Their journey should be honored, their rights should be fiercely protected, and their stories should be shared."
- Marcie Macari
Your Birth Doula package may include:
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A complimentary visit over tea to get to know each other
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Unlimited availability via phone throughout your pregnancy and 24 hour on-call service beginning at 38 weeks
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2 prenatal visits (1-2 hours) in your home, where we may discuss your birth wishes or even help you to document them if desired, comfort measures during labor, birthing positions, nutrition and wellness, fears or concerns, the role of the partner or any other areas of labor and birth that you would like support in
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1 - 60 minute pre-natal massage in my office located in the Chase Mill, Burlington
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A custom prepared herbal bundle (teas, salves, sits bath) specific for your needs
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Continuous labor support beginning as early as you wish and including massage, positioning, verbal and emotional support for you and your partner, music and aromatherapy if desired, assistance with photography or video, informational support and most ultimately advocacy for your best birth possible
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Professional birth photography for duration of labor and postpartum. Images will be provided to you on a flash drive, yours to treasure forever
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Immediate postpartum support for 1-2 hours following delivery, helping to establish breastfeeding, answers any questions or help to alleviate concerns
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1-2 postpartum visits in your home which can include newborn care questions, breastfeeding support, writing your birth story, baby wearing, help with referrals etc.
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Reduced rate of $70 per hour for Perinatal Massage for up to 6 months postpartum
Postpartum Doula
"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."
– Elizabeth Stone
Your Postpartum Doula care may include:
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A complimentary visit over tea to get to know each other
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1 visit in your home to become better acquainted with your needs and postpartum goals before the arrival of your baby
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Assistance in setting up your nursery if desired
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"Mothering the mother" companionship, comfort and self-care support, assistance with preparing herbals sitz baths and breast compresses, infant care while you take some time for yourself
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Breastfeeding support and information as well as referrals for professional lactation support if necessary
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Education on infant care (cord care, swaddling, bathing, changing diapering, soothing techniques, baby wearing)
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Teaching light baby massage
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Support in processing your birth experience and/or recording your story
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Meal preparation for optimal postpartum nutrition
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Light housework (laundry, tidying, dishes, organization)
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Sibling care and support with the integration of their wonderful new sibling or support care for siblings during the birth
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Partner support and education
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Referrals to specialists and support groups if needed
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Errands (grocery shopping, dry cleaners, etc.)
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Reduced rate of $70 per hour for Perinatal Massage for up to 6 months postpartum
Flexible payment plans are available for all services. Also, please check with your insurance as some provide reimbursement for perinatal care.
Interested in working together?
Please fill out the form below and I will be in touch!
