midwifery (annaeheinz)

Doula Work and Midwifery

Check out the website for all doulas in Ithaca, NY: http://www.ithacadoulas.com

Read my analysis of Cesarean birth rates

Read what I think about Choices in Childbirth

Need a doula?

Because I am just beginning work as a doula, I am eagerly looking for experience. I am somewhat limited by the fact that I go to school full time, but I will do my best to be flexible and meet your needs.

Fee:

For now, I am happy to take on clients free of charge, though I would appreciate any small donations.

Services:

I will do whatever I can to be of most assistance to you. This usually includes one to three prenatal visits to become aquainted and develop a birth plan; the labor (I will come whenever you feel that it is time) and delivery (I will stay with you the whole time and for a while after the birth); and a postpartum visit to check in and make sure things are going well.

Availability:

As mentioned previously, I am a full-time student, but will do what I can to be flexible for pre-birth visits and can always be reached be cell phone for the birth itself.

What I do:

I am currently going to nursing school at Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, NY. If things continue as planned, in Spring of 2008 I will have my RN. In the mean time, I have gone through DONA training to become a doula and done several internships in labor and delivery as well as in a doctor's office. Once I finish nusing school, I plan to go on and become a Nurse Midwife, but I am trying to be open to whatever comes my way and feels most appropriate. Given the varying regulations from state to state, I suppose my end career will also depend on where I end up living.

What led me to birth:

I grew up curious about the human body, always wondering how it worked and why things went wrong sometimes. It seemed like there was generally a clear cut answer, based in the scientific language of medicine. Although I have never doubted that modern medicine has greatly increased our understanding of body processes and how to address problems when they arise, I have come to believe that there is more to body processes than straight physiology. We must realize that a person's body is influenced not only by straightforward physical things, but also by psychological and spiritual issues. I also think that we often ignore underlying issues and turn natural processes into medical traumas. This is especially true of pregnancy in America. We have come to view pregnancy as a disease process that needs medical monitoring and intervention all along the way, despite the fact that women have been giving birth with few problems for all of history. This has inspired me to pursue a career in which I can support women in their efforts to have a "normal" childbirth experience, in which they make their own decisions and shape the experience to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Contact:

If you need to get in touch with me, please send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as possible! anna.e.heinz [at] gmail.com