BIRTH MATTERS
BIRTH SERVICES
DOULA SERVICES, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION & PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION
What We Do
What is a doula?
A doula is a woman trained in the physiology and psychology of birth, and in the art of providing labor support to birthing mothers during pregnancy, the birth process, and immediate postpartum period. It has been well-researched and documented that women who birth with doulas have shorter labors, are far less likely to have a cesarean birth, are less likely to use pain medication during labor, and report being much happier with their births. Women who have birthed with doulas are more likely to describe their birth in positive terms, and feel more attached to their babies.
We are passionate about serving moms to be and their partners. We believe the birthing woman is best served when she is supported unconditionally and free from judgement however she decides to give birth. We want to educate you about your choices, we want to support you in those choices, and help you feel empowered to make those choices. No matter how your baby ultimately enters the world, how you experience birth and how empowered you feel throughout the process does matter...your birth matters.
Who We Are
Kristen Murphy
Owner, Birth Doula & Placenta Encapsulation Specialist
My passion for birth grew deeply while I was pregnant with my third child. This was the first birth I had a doula present for and the incredible difference it made in my birthing experience gave me the desire to support other women in the same way. As a certified birth doula I offer compassionate, intuitive and evidence based support that is tailored to the individual families needs. I am honored to be invited into growing families lives in such a beautiful way. I'd love to help make your birthing experience a positive one.
When I am not with birthing mothers, you'll find me sipping black coffee with my husband, homeschooling our three children or out for a morning run!
Laurel Zimmerman
Birth and Postpartum Doula
Now serving the Eglin AFB, Niceville, Valparaiso, and surrounding areas
With each birth my passion for all things pregnancy, birth, and baby grew. After my third birth I heard about doulas and realized that being a doula is exactly what I want to do.
Birth is such an amazing experience and the most important thing is that baby and mama are healthy! No birth is the same, and every mama is going to want something different for their birth. The most important thing is that they are educated and well supported, which is exactly what my job is! As a certified birth doula, I strive to provide evidence based information and continuous support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Our Services
Birth Doula Services:
$800
Once hired, your doula will be on call for you for the remainder of your pregnancy.
She will meet with you for 1-2 prenatal visits where she provides you with evidence based information, help answer any questions you may have and assist you in forming a birth and newborn plan. When active labor begins she will accompany you in your home and/or hospital to provide physical comfort measures such as massage, relaxation, pain management techniques, encouraging position suggestions and more. She provides information on medical interventions and your options and will encourage you through each stage of labor and delivery. Your doula will stay 1-2 hours after the birth to help you process, assist with feeding the baby if desired and make sure all of your questions are answered and needs are met. You will also be provided with a documentation of your birth in a timeline format at your postpartum visit.
Our services include a postpartum visit that usually takes place within 7-10 days after your birth. We can further assist with breastfeeding, help answer any questions and offer referrals for postpartum support.
Contact us today to set up a complimentary interview to see if we are a good fit!
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Childbirth Education Classes:
Private or group classes.
Classes are personalized to fit your needs.
Preparation classes provide in-depth, evidence-based information about all things pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum.
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Placenta Encapsulation:
When choosing Birth Matters Birth Services to encapsulate your placenta you can be sure that we go above and beyond the standard practice of care. Your placenta will be picked up from your birthing facility and delivered to you usually within 24-36 hours. It is processed on a sterile placenta prep station and will include instructions on recommended dosage and proper storage. To ensure safe and high quality supplements, I have a Certification in Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control for Placenta Encapsulators as well as a State of North Carolina Safe Food Handlers Certification. So you can be sure your placenta is in good hands.
You have the option of adding placenta encapsulation on to your birth doula service as well as booking any placenta encapsulation services separately. Placenta encapsulation packages include a complementary print of your placenta and an umbilical cord keepsake. You can expect a small placenta will yield around 100 capsules. A very large placenta can produce up to 175 or even more. On average you can expect around 125 – 150 capsules. Generally speaking, big babies have big placentas and small babies have small placentas.
Basic Placenta Encapsulation Package:
$350
Placenta Capsules
Placenta Print
Umbilical Cord Keepsake
Add on's:
Placenta Tincture:
4oz.
A small portion of raw placenta is added to 100 proof alcohol and left to ferment within the bottle for 6 weeks. This is used to stabilize hormones after capsules are gone and provide menstrual cycle relief. This can also be saved for menopause for hormonal support.
Placenta Salve:
4oz.
Our salves are natural skin care products made for each client. Your dehydrated placenta is mixed with all organic ingredients, including coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin E oil, beeswax and essential oils to create a smooth, healing body butter great for everything from sore nipples to postpartum healing.
Birth Doula Service & Encapsulation Package:
$1,150
Birth Doula Services
Placenta Capsules
Placenta Print and Umbilical Cord Keepsake
Birth Doula Service & Full Encapsulation Package:
$1,200
Birth Doula Services
Placenta Capsules
Placenta Tincture
Placenta Salve
Placenta Print and Umbilical Cord Keepsake
Why would you want to consume your placenta? Here is more information including the reported health benefits to help answer that question for you.
Your placenta is your own perfect prescription for bringing balance to your postpartum recovery. Your placenta has restorative properties and high levels of vital nutrients including iron, protein, vitamins, and the hormones it excreted during pregnancy. Just as it supported and nourished your baby, your placenta, when carefully prepared for consumption, can nourish the postpartum mother. Placenta consumption supports lactation and it facilitates an easier postpartum recovery by increasing energy and easing the dramatic hormonal transitions of the postpartum period. Consumption of the placenta has been common practice for many years, and as our own culture reconnects to a more natural way of birthing and living, placenta encapsulation is becoming a more widely recognized resource.
Mothers who have taken placenta capsules have reported:
A boost in energy levels
Increased iron levels
Increased & enriched milk supply
Balanced moods & hormones
Decreased incidence of the baby blues
Decreased incidence of postnatal depression
Increased effectiveness of mother-infant bonding
Reduced postpartum bleeding
Uterus returns to size more quickly
Faster recovery from birth
General improvement in health and vitality
The placenta is composed of beneficial hormones, nutrients, iron, and proteins. These healing substances include:
Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone: Contributes to mammary gland development in preparation for lactation; stabilizes postpartum mood; regulates post-birth uterine cramping; decreases depression; normalizes and stimulates libido.
Prolactin: Promotes lactation; increases milk supply; enhances the mothering instinct.
Oxytocin: Decreases pain and increases bonding in mother and infant; counteracts the production of stress hormones such as Cortisol; greatly reduces postpartum bleeding; enhances the breastfeeding let-down reflex.
Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids, including endorphins; reduces pain; increases well-being.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the thyroid gland; boosts energy and supports recovery from stressful events.
Corticotropin Releasing Hormone (CRH): Low levels of CRH are implicated in postpartum depression. Regulation of CRH helps prevent depression.
Cortisone: Reduces inflammation and swelling; promotes healing.
Interferon: Triggers the protective defenses of the immune system to fight infection.
Prostaglandins: Regulates contractions in the uterus after birth; helps uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size. Anti-inflammatory effects.
Iron: Replenishes maternal iron stores to combat anemia, a common postpartum condition. Increases energy; decreases fatigue and depression.
Hemoglobin: Oxygen-carrying molecule which provides a boost in energy.
Urokinase Inhibiting Factor and Factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG): Antibody molecules which support the immune system.
Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): This hormone has lactogenic and growth-promoting properties; promotes mammary gland growth in preparation for lactation in the mother. It also regulates maternal glucose, protein, and fat levels.
*Some of this information provided has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Services offered by Birth Matters are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Families who choose to utilize these services take full responsibility of their own health and for researching and using the remedies.
The Blog
September 30, 2017August 7, 2017July 31, 2017- Contact Us
Contact us today for a free consulatation!
FAQ'S
Why would I want to hire a doula?
According to Evidenced Based Birth studies have shown having a doula can result in:
31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
28% decrease in the risk of C-section
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
Does a doula replace my partner?
No. Doulas know birth, and your partner knows you. This helps you build the perfect team. Many times partners want to help during labor but just don't know how. Instead of taking over their role, our doulas work with your partner to show them how they can be most helpful to you throughout the ups and downs of labor.
What is your birthing philosophy?
We believe birth is a normal process and women's bodies were made to give birth. Each birth is instinctive and each baby comes at its own pace and should be treated with respect. We know this works best when the birth is interfered with as little as possible. How a woman's birth experience goes can effect her in many ways, sometimes for the rest of her life, this is why we believe how the birthing woman is treated in labor matters. It matters how her birthing space is presented and it matters that she feels confident, trusted and supported. Birth Matters.
What if I want an epidural?
That is great that you know what you want. We respect and support you. Most hospitals discourage epidurals until you are so many centimeters dialated so we will be there to offer massage, pressure point and other pain management techniques until you reach the point you are ready for your epidural. An epidural isn't always a guarantee for pain relief and there are occasions it may not work effectively. In those situations we are there to continue our pain management. Our doula stays with you throughout the remainder of the birth to offer emotional and informational support and use a few tips and tricks to help encourage labor to continue to keep progressing well.
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