OVERVIEW

What is a doula?:

Dona International describes a doula as "a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible." There have been many scientific studies showing that mother, baby and the surrounding family display a notably higher sense of physical, emotional and mental well being with the care and support of a doula.

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WHY CHOOSE MAKAI:

Qualified - I am fully qualified to be your doula! I am trained by DONA - the world’s first, largest and leading doula certifying organization created in 1992. DONA has certified more than 12,000 DONA International doulas in more than 50 countries! “DONA International promotes the highest quality perinatal support for birthing mothers and their families by setting the standard for doula education and training, and by advocating the research-based benefits of doula care”. I am also trained in the Spinning Babies® approach created by Midwife Gail Tully (CPM). Spinning Babies® is recognized around the world by midwives, nurses, childbirth educators, and doulas. Read more about my qualifications.   

 

Experienced -  As well as being a qualified birth doula, I am also a licensed massage therapist, cupping specialist,  CranioSacral Therapist, YTT200 yoga instructor and semiprecious stone junkie. I have 15+ years of experience working with diverse organizations ranging from clinical businesses such as acupuncturists, chiropractors and naturopaths to high end pampering resort spas plus private home based clients. This eclectic background of education and experience helps me to offer you a wide angle holistic approach that can be customized to your individual needs. Read more about my professional background.

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So much more than just a birth doula - My 15+ years experience in body work, massage, cupping, CranioSacral Therapy, yoga, meditation and mindfulness helps me to offer you so much more than just evidence based birth doula knowledge.

 

Body work with my Moms allows me to get to know a person better, offer more face to face time, understand each unique body, use my intuition and healing hands to understand where tension is held and develop knowledge of what comforting approaches work best for you. This deeper understanding of a person’s physical and emotional make up helps me to bring a deeper sense of comfort, care and balance prior to and during labor.

 

My yoga and meditation experience not only allows me to offer yoga derived movements, theories and adjustments to my moms but also gives me a yoga teacher’s vantage point to see what is happening in a person’s body structurally and give proper modifications.

 

My background in Craniosacral Therapy allows me to connect deeply with the entire body by releasing restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. It is a very gentle form of bodywork which can quickly calm the nervous system and help you relax as your body switches into a self healing mode. The physical and emotional comfort it can bring is especially important through pregnancy and birth to insure that your body is operating at its best and not holding on to anything that doesn’t serve you.

 

Communication skills - All these therapeutic approaches to have given me valuable experience in communicating about the body, pain, emotions, mindfulness, physical relief and mental releases. Effective communication can be the bridge between discomfort and ease, which is extremely important before and during labor to promote a sense of calm and balance.

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Positive feedback - You need a doula that is calming, encouraging, loving and supportive at this special time in your life. Don't just take my word for it, read my testimonials. 

 

Flexible Packages - Check out my birth doula packages. I am open to customizing packages to make sure you receive exactly what you need during your pregnancy and birth. 

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Resources - I work hard to provide you with an up to date and thorough list of resources for educators, support groups, social circles, classes, clinics, medical practitioners, suppliers, hospitals and much more. 

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Free Consultation - I offer a free in person consultation so I can meet you/your family and answer any questions you may have.  There's absolutely no commitment attached to the consultation, no pressure to book or to a sign a contract. This is a casual meeting to make sure you are comfortable and we are a good fit. I usually conduct my consultations in a public place, such a Starbucks for example, in a convenient location. 

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