"I thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot from Desirre and would probably take any class she offered.  I found all her information very useful and feel better prepared than I was before." 10/05

My goal is to instill confidence and bodily trust by reinforcing the normalcy of birth, providing "tried and true" information and resources while understanding and working with each family's unique needs, philosophy and birth goals. 

• What exactly is a doula? From dictionary.com 1) Function: noun: a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, and emotional support to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth 2) A woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth.
• How will a doula benefit me?  Having a doula is similar to reaching into the past by including a woman of knowledge who has walked the path of pregnancy and birth before you. My purpose is to come along side you to support, educate and help bring trust and normalcy into this extraordinary experience.  Often simply having a knowledgeable woman present at a birth brings confidence and security by lowering stress and fear.  Additionally here is a list of some of the studied and documented benefits - Reduction of cesarean rates,  overall reduction of medications and intervention use in labor and birth (including Pitocin, epidural, IV anesthesia, forceps and vacuum extraction), shorter labor, reduction in both maternal and fetal complications (fever, excess postpartum bleeding, postpartum depression, hospitalization), increased breastfeeding success, and increased bonding to baby. Studies can be supplied upon request.
• How much time on average do you spend with a first time mom throughout prenatals, labor and postpartum? Not including interview, phone, email, preparation and research time the total average is 21 hours per client. The average time allotment is: Prenatal visits 6 hours. Labor, delivery and recovery 12 hours. Postpartum visits 3.5 hours.   
• Will you take the place of my husband or labor partner? The short answer is NO.  I ensure both mom and dad are emotionally supported and physically cared for.  Having me alongside allows dad  or labor partner to take on whatever role he is comfortable with and best suited for.  
• How will you benefit me as my doula? I truly enjoy getting to know each couple through the prenatal process where individual needs and desires are focused on.  Since I am also an educator, I am able to clarify and hone the education you have received very specifically.  Helping Increase the family bond through the relationship built in prenatal visits, the shared birth experience, immediate postpartum and into the first several weeks is an integral part of my practice. 
• What if I know I want an epidural? I am still very beneficial in aiding a mom with an epidural.  There are many options to keep labor moving along and mom comfortable and supported.
• How would I hire you? Send an email to desirre@birthingtouch.com or phone me at 719-331-1292 to set up an in person interview. Under the Files section you will find my doula agreement and client intake forms as well.
• What if I am on a modest budget? On a client by client basis I will accept a payment plan, barter, or offer a reduced fee.