Welcome to Birds and Bees Birth Services!
Birds and Bees is the home of Lauren Strain. I am a certified birth doula, pre- and perinatal massage therapist, infant massage instructor and lactation educator. I believe strongly in the importance of birth. I believe birth matters – to women, to babies and to the planet.
I believe that birth, even medicalized birth, is not a medical event, but one that encompasses the full range of the human experience. It is a physical, emotional and spiritual event. Birth is private, and yet involves the whole community. Birth is deeply personal, and yet our choices are political.
I believe that when women and their partners are honored in their experience of birthing, and give birth in awareness, they are prepared to be empowered and aware parents. I believe that when we claim our voice and make conscious choices, we empower ourselves and make a deeply positive impact in every aspect of our lives. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, politically. For ourselves, our children, our community, our world.
What is a doula?
Scope and Limitations of Practice.
As a doula I provide physical and emotional support to a woman during labor. I support a woman’s partner in his or her experience as needed. I provide reassurance and perspective, make suggestions for labor progress, assist with pain management techniques, massage, relaxation and positioning. I provide resources, information, advocacy and support in pregnancy and the early postpartum period, including lactation support. Labor support varies from birth to birth. I tailor my care to fit you and your birth.
Doulas do not:
1. Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, temperature, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc.
2. Makes decisions for you. I will facilitate informed decision making, and remind you of a deviation from your birth plan.
3. Speak for you or on your behalf. I will facilitate discussions with clinical staff and care givers as needed or suggest options, but you will communicate directly with your caregivers.
Why would I want a doula at the birth of my child?
Throughout recorded time we have seen evidence of women supporting women through childbirth. The caring, knowledgeable touch of another woman is essential to a woman feeling safe and supported through her experience of birth. Doulas provide a deeply valuable service to laboring women that compliments medical care and midwifery beautifully.
The following is an excerpt from DONA International‘s information regarding the role of the doula:
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth
- tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
- reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
- reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
- Feel more secure and cared for
- Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- Have greater success with breastfeeding
- Have greater self-confidence
- Have less postpartum depression
- Have lower incidence of abuse