Most women think that they do not have many options when it comes to the birth experience but even more commonly than that, women do not even give it a thought at all.
The standard practice in the US is that a woman gets pregnant, schedules an appointment with an obstetrician, goes through a series of vaginal exams, ultrasounds and if she’s lucky escapes with a medicated vaginal birth. I say lucky because 1/3 of the women in the US will give birth via cesarean section. Which is necessary in some few cases. This has become the “normal” birth. But what is/ should be “normal” birth?
That is something that every mother must ask herself.
Do your research, know your options and decide for yourself what you want, are comfortable with and how you will feel about each choice. The only wrong choice is not choosing at all but relinquishing your body to a medical provider that many times does not practice informed consent.
Below is a list of natural birth educators, doulas, midwives and written resources. Most of these women will talk with you free of charge and help you discover what it is that you truly need and want for your birth experience.
Midwives
Emmy Trammell 985-974-2724
Alina Gardner Brmidwife@gmail.com
Sally Acosta 985-259-3557
Sherri Daigle 225-293-5836
Lynette Robinson at Gentle Choices birthing center 337-501-2916
Anne Lastrapes 337-278-4354
Doula/educational services
Lacey Hebert http://tolbirth.com/index.php/about
Nicki Pugh 225-819-7977 or visit her on Facebook at Old River Doula
Nola Nesting 504-655-1819 or visit them online by clicking here.
Jenny Dickerson 985-320-0016
Kira Smith 337-366-0303 http://www.motherbirthla.com/#2755
Rene Johnson Birth Help http://www.birthhelp.com/
My recommended reading list:
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth
Active Birth by Janet Balaskas
Baby Catcher by Peggy Vincent
Pushed by Jennifer Block
Your Best Birth by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein
My name is Valerie Cook. Was wondering if you could add me to your resource page. I am a certified placenta encapsulator through Full Circle Placenta. I serve the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Name of business is Out of the Box (birthing services)My # is 225-324-1227 and email is naturalcookmama@gmail.com Thankyou