As a Certified Doula I
provide caring birth labor assistance,
act as a birthing coach, support both
Moms & Dads.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I offer
pre-natal massage for relief and
relaxation, plus post-natal massage for
helping the body return to its
pre-pregnancy state and speed recovery. |
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Location:
3007 6th Ave
Tacoma, 98406
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Map It :
Reservations:
ph: 253.232.3900
online: click here
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Gift Certificates Available |
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"A
doula provides support
consisting of praise,
reassurance, measures to improve
the comfort of the mother,
physical contact such as rubbing
the mother’s back and holding
her hands, explanation of what
is going on during labor and
delivery and a constant friendly
presence."
source:
Care in Normal Birth: a
Practical Guide. Report of a
Technical Working Group. World
Health Organization, 1996. |
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What
Is A Doula?
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The word "doula" comes from the ancient
Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and
is now used to refer to a trained and
experienced professional who provides
continuous physical, emotional and
informational support to the mother
before, during and just after birth; or
who provides emotional and practical
support during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when doulas
attend birth, labors are shorter with
fewer complications, babies are
healthier and they breastfeed more
easily. |
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A Birth Doula
- Recognizes birth as a key
experience the mother will remember
all her life
- Understands the physiology of
birth and the emotional needs of a
woman in labor
- Assists the woman in preparing
for and carrying out her plans for
birth
- Stays with the woman throughout
the labor
- Provides emotional support,
physical comfort measures and an
objective viewpoint, as well as
helping the woman get the
information she needs to make
informed decision
- Facilitates communication
between the laboring woman, her
partner and her clinical care
providers
- Perceives her role as nurturing
and protecting the woman's memory of
the birth experience
- Allows the woman's partner to
participate at his/her comfort level
source: DONA International |
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Why Use A Doula?
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Do you feel concerned or a bit
frightened about your up coming labor?
Then, consider hiring a Doula.Do you feel like you would like to have
a better experience then your last
birth?
Then, consider hiring a Doula.
Are you feeling puzzled over conflicting
advice or things you have heard about
your pregnancy or future labor or the
early days with your new baby?
Then, consider hiring a Doula. Do you want
someone with you during your labor you
know, trust and respect and who has had
had her own experience of labor, as well
as experience in helping other women in
labor?
Then, consider hiring a Doula.
Do you
want a woman with you in labor whom you
not only feel confident in, but who also
can guarantee to be with you for the
whole duration of the labor?
Then, consider hiring a Doula.
Do you want someone with you in labor
who can take some of the stress off your
partner, if need be?
Then, consider hiring a Doula.
Do you want someone with you in labor
that can offer you reassurance and love,
and treat you with dignity and respect,
no matter what your decisions are?
Then, consider hiring a Doula. |
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Here are some statistics of women with
doula care at their birth, compared to
those who don’t:
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26% less likely to have a cesarean
section
41% less likely to give birth with a
vacuum extractor or forceps
28% less likely to use any analgesia or
anesthesia
33% less likely to be dissatisfied or
negatively rate their birth
Additional Reading:
Birth
Doulas Make a Difference
More Research Sources
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Dads and Doulas
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Birth is
always between the couple in my eyes.
So, it’s always been a priority for me
to figure out how to support both
parties. This is an interesting time for
dad. Labor rooms are not usually
familiar or even comfortable to them.
Having attended many births has made
them comfortable and familiar to me.
Labor often brings up emotions and
stress and can make communication
difficult. When dad is needed the most
can often times be the most difficult
time for mom to express her needs. This
is when having a “translator” in the
room (also known as the doula) can be
most helpful. As a doula we are in a
position to suggest ways to improve
dad’s comfort level. We are also
available for small jobs such as,
putting on music, getting coffee,
finding a nurse, getting ice, answering
the phone, etc., so dad can be 100%
focused on mom. Or if dad needs a break
to do what he needs to do such as,
update the family, get a bite to eat, or
just take a breather the doula can do
the support work.See
DONA article on Dads and Doulas
“Doulas never replace the dads, but are
extra hands. A doula can help remind the
dad when it is a good time for them to
walk, take a shower, sit on a rocking
chair, etc., so he doesn't have to
stress over remembering all of the
information from the childbirth class.”
source: Cyndi Whitwell |
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My care is continuous (unless agreed
upon by both myself and the family)
until the baby is born, placenta is
delivered and breast feeding is
established (usually 1 to 2 hours after
birth). |
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 Original Birth Package
($500.00)
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2 prenatal visits
Phone availability for questions 24/7
1 prenatal massage
Birth
1 postpartum visit
Birth photography (if desired)
Birth story |
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Deluxe Birth Package
($600.00)
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2 Prenatal visits
Phone availability for questions 24/7
2 prenatal massages
Birth
1 postpartum visit
1 postpartum massage
Birth photography (if desired)
Birth story |
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Ultimate Birth Package
($700.00)
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2 prenatal visits
Phone availability for questions 24/7
3 prenatal massages
Birth
1 postpartum visit
2 postpartum massage
Birth photography (if desired)
Birth ball (to keep)
Birth story |
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"Words cannot describe our gratitude. We
had such a wonderful birth
experience... all thanks to you. We
appreciate all your encouragement and
support throughout our labor as well as
your support from the many weeks prior.
You helped create our ideal birth
experience and we could not have done it
without you. Especially towards the
difficult and exhausting "end" during
our several hours lingering at 9cm...
you encouraged me to make sure I stuck
to what I really wanted... a natural
birth, without drugs or intervention. We
are so happy you were there. Birth is
such a once in a lifetime experience and
we appreciate you being a part of it.
You re such a wonderful giving person,
anyone would be lucky to have you as
their doula in the future. Many many
thanks ..."
Sincerely,
Nicole and Brandon Gates |
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"Bridget Kord was the attending doula at
the labor and birth of my first child. I
can say without any doubt that I could
not have labored and birthed without
her. Bridget was so supportive and
encouraging. I had a long grueling labor
of about 24 hours. Bridget was there for
me every step, every contraction, every
moment. She talked me through my
contractions with calm and clarity. Her
voice was comforting and soothing in a
time when I needed it the most. I had
doubts of whether or not I could make it
through to the end of my labor. I
planned a natural childbirth experience.
During my labor, Bridget assured me that
I could make it through to the end, even
when I thought I could not Bridget was
calm and confident. She knew what I
needed and met my needs every time,
every moment. Bridget had great
suggestions for new positions and ways
of helping me cope with my labor pain.
She took charge when she needed and
supported and encouraged me when I
needed that as well.
I highly recommend Bridget as a doula
for any woman that is planning on
natural childbirth. Bridget's warm and
compassionate nature made her a highly
valued addition to my birth experience.
In addition, Bridget is extremely
knowledgeable and educated in all
aspects of pregnancy and birth process.
She was always available to answer any
of my questions and concerns. I know I
will ask Bridget to be my doula at my
next birth. Bridget's presence at the
birth of my first child is a treasure I
will experience forever."
- Alexandra Douglas |
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"My name is Nicole Moses and
Bridget Kord helped me get through the
most amazing moment in my life. The
birth of my son. I chose to have a
natural labor, because I really wanted
to feel the experience of having my
child. So since I decided on natural
labor I wanted a doula. Bridget came
highly recommended from my friend who
also had her assistance in her natural
labor.
I had a 24hour labor and Bridget never
left my side. She never even showed
signs of exhaustion. I was getting so
weak and Bridget stayed so strong for
me. She was the most amazing gift I
could of been given. I would have never
made it through it without her. She has
this amazing strength. My husband was
even amazed by her and ever so thankful.
Even though there were many times that I
wanted to give up, she didn't allow me
to. She was truly my savior. Thank you
Bridget I will never be able to repay
you for what you did for my family and
I." |
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