Anna Marie Nelson

• Certified Doula (DONA)
• Postpartum Doula
• Licensed Massage Therapist
• Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator
• Certified Breastfeeding Educator
• Lamaze Labor Support Specialist
• Lamaze Breastfeeding Support Specialist

The birth of your baby is one of the most important events of your life.

As a Certified Doula and Licensed Massage Therapist I'm trained and qualified to lovingly support and help you through this life-changing event. During labor and delivery I incorporate massage and knowledge of anatomy and the physiological effects of childbirth along with the encouraging and supportive techniques of a Doula to help you have the labor and delivery you desire.

While attending a birth I often use a birthing ball to assist with various positions to help you and your baby have a gentler, safer birth.  Oftentimes mothers who rely on a Doula’s expertise of the birthing process don't require an episiotomy (a cut made through the skin and muscles of the perineum, which causes a longer and more painful recovery.)

Shortly after birth I assist you and your newborn with breastfeeding.  Then I make sure both you and your baby are comfortable and ready for a well-deserved rest before I leave the birthing site.  A few days after delivery I visit the new mom and baby at their home.  I help with breastfeeding and educate and answer questions about newborn and postpartum care.  I'm then available by phone or email for the many questions new parents invariably have.

I'm also available for pregnancy massage, which helps with the aches and pains of pregnancy and can even help with an easier labor and delivery; infant massage, which I teach you how to perform on your newborn (they love it!); and also postpartum massage, which helps your body heal and return to its pre-pregnancy state more readily.

It is my job to give you information and answer your questions so you can make the best decisions for you and your baby in every stage of labor and delivery.  Although I do not give medical advice, I am qualified to give you detailed information concerning any drugs and/or procedures your doctor may/may not ask you to consider.  Unlike most over-worked hospital staff, I have the time to explain each drug and/or procedure, and its benefits and/or possible side effects to you and your baby.  I always have you and your baby’s best interest at heart.

                                                                           
As your Doula, I look only to your and your baby’s well being as my goal, with no other time or monetary concerns to consider.  It is not my job to dictate "right and wrong," but rather to educate you so you can then make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.  I'm aware every woman's needs and desires during childbirth vary and are personal choices.

I am qualified to assist in a hospital, a birthing center, or at a home birth.  I can either stand alone as your only labor support, or I'm happy to help your partner help you. Many labor coaches feel somewhat uncomfortable in the labor/delivery setting, and welcome the opportunity to have an expert guide them so they can be a more confident and informed coach for the mother.

Please feel free to contact me either by email or phone, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

    Good luck and best wishes!

 ~Anna Marie