Tabitha Ames CCCE, CLD, CPD
CAPPA Faculty: Northern California Childbirth Educator Trainer
CAPPA Certified Childbirth Educator
CAPPA Certified Labor Doula
CAPPA Certified Postpartum Doula
Volunteer Positions:
BirthWays Vice President
BirthWays Meet the Doulas Night Coordinator
East Bay Doula Yahoo Group Moderator
Continuing Education:
CAPPA Postpartum Doula Training with Darla Burns 2010
CAPPA Labor Doula Training with Rena Koerner 2010
CAPPA Conference Valencia, CA 2011
CAPPA Lactation Educator Training with Christy Jo Hendricks 2012
Rebozo Workshop with Gena Kirby 2013
Labor support is centuries old, but its advantages have now been validated in six controlled studies and its positive benefits should not be overlooked... The challenge is to turn to obstetric technology only when necessary, relying instead on the practice of continuous labor support to help the birth process follow its natural, normal course. ~John Kennel, Marshall Klaus, et al. Journal of the American Medical Association
The Greek word doula means "woman caregiver", and is now accepted to mean the experienced labor companion who provides non-medical support for the woman and her partner throughout labor, birth, and for at least a short time postpartum. The doula helps you to have a more satisfying birth experience, and will use her knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and as needed, communication with the staff to be sure you have the tools needed to make informed decisions as they arise during labor. A doula can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other comfort techniques.
The major role of the postpartum doula is to provide support and help the family transition smoothly into having a new baby. Studies have shown that women who have social support during the postpartum period tend to have less postpartum depression, breastfeed for a longer duration, and make a better adjustment to parenthood.
Doulas are independent and self-employed. She works for you and not your care giver or hospital.
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Tabitha's Cell - 925-360-0817