Hi there! Welcome to my happy little world of mommas, babies, and all things doula! My name is Niki and I am a certified/licensed birth doula with DONA International.
I’ve been serving women in various capacities for about 20 years because I love to see women flourish mentally, spiritually, and physically. In 2016 that passion took on the specific role as a Birth Doula! I have four children whom I just adore (ages 17, 17, 15, & 9)! My personal experience with their births continues to fuel my love for what I do today.
Living in Durango, it’s no surprise that I love the great outdoors! I am especially drawn to mountains for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and camping. I liken the experience of giving birth to that of climbing a long, arduous mountain with sketchy terrain and unpredictable weather patterns. You can certainly do it alone, but the benefits of having an experienced guide to lead the way cannot be understated!
It is my belief that birth is an experience that should be empowering, not something to be feared. The female body was designed to do this! That being said, the way in which a woman interacts with her body during labor and delivery is unique and should be respected and cared for on a very personal level, according to HER preferences.
During pregnancy I get to know my clients, seeking to understand their preferences, their beliefs, their fears and anxieties, with the goal of making their priorities my priorities. Then I educate and prepare clients ahead of time so that when the big day (or night!) arrives we’re all well-informed and ready to play our part and embrace the process together. Should unexpected situations arise I provide the information needed to help women understand their options and make informed decisions that align with THEIR personal convictions and desires.
During labor and delivery my aim is to provide continuous care in the following ways:
- physical comfort and pain relief using various acupressure, Rebozo, and massage techniques,
- verbal guidance through relaxation methods including breathing, meditation, and visualization,
- emotional support through listening, reassurance, and praise.
When this kind of care is provided for a woman her body can more easily relax into a state of peaceful confidence that allows baby to descend in a timely manner with little to no fetal stress and dramatically less need for intervention.
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” -Dr. John H. Kennel
Postpartum support is vital to a woman’s ongoing health as she enters into motherhood! To aid in the recovery process I stay with my client for a couple hours after labor and delivery to offer initial breastfeeding support and a helping hand where needed. In the weeks that follow I will visit my client (and partner) at least twice to check in and process her birth experience and offer referrals and counseling as needed.
Are you ready to take the next step towards hiring a doula? Finding a doula who works well with your personality – someone you “click with” – is essential. I offer a FREE consultation with no obligation to book so we can get to know each other a bit and see if I’m the right doula for you! Call 970-759-1273 or email me at durango.doula.niki@gmail.com