BIRTH DOULAS


Why Use a Doula?

Birth Doulas are trained, experienced professionals in childbirth who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

Research shows parents with support
  • feel more secure and cared for
  • have greater success with breastfeeding
  • have greater self-confidence
  • have less postpartum depression
  • have lower incidence of abuse
  • are better in adapting to their new family dynamics


Tammy Uva, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA), CLD (CAPPA),
CLC, DONA Hawaii State Representative
EMAIL tammy@laborofloveoahu.com
PHONE 808-672-5399 or 808-225-0668
WEBSITE www.laborofloveoahu.com

I have 25+ years of experience in supporting mothers and their families during childbirth. I am a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula through DONA International and a certified Labor Doula through the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA). I am also certified in Lactation Counseling. I volunteer for Operation Special Delivery, the Mary Jane Program, and the Kalihi Family Health Center, OB/GYN/ Midwifery.

On a personal note, I am married and have 6 adult children (1 set of twins) that were natural childbirths and also breastfed. I also have 14 precious grandchildren. I consider the birth of a child to be a miracle and one of the most significant events that takes place in a woman's life, and I strive to offer a loving, caring, and supportive environment for my clients and their families.


Kathryn Julia, LMT, CLD (CAPPA)
EMAIL jultouch@yahoo.com
PHONE 375-3465
WEBSITE www.tantricbirth.com

I believe it is extremely important to share the wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down through the ages to enlighten and empower women to have confidence in their bodies through the childbearing year.

I have been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1978, a practitioner of Siddha Yoga since 1982, and a Certified Labor Doula and Labor Doula Trainer with Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA). I am the Mother of Nekole and Shaun and grandmother of Josephine and Eliana. The combination of knowledge, skills and experience has brought me to a strong sense of purpose to fulfill the need for educational, emotional and spiritual support to birthing families.

The impressions and experiences a Being has from conception to the end of their first year of life are the foundation for our ability to adapt to all of life from the smallest pathogen to world affairs. My goal is to reduce the stress, fears and anxieties related to childbirth so families may participate fully in their birth with feelings of Harmony, Joy and Love.


Pat Goding, RNC, BSN, ICCE
EMAIL roscoe@hawaii.rr.com
PHONE 677-8554

I am an ICEA certified childbirth educator, teaching for 30 years. I teach Childbirth Preparation classes at the Kaiser Waipio Clinic and I do private classes in the client’s home. I’ve been an OB nurse, both Air Force and civilian, for over 10 years and I am also a Labor Doula. My husband, who is retired Air Force, and I live in Waikele, and have lived in Hawaii for 16 years.

I feel honored to be with women and their families during their most vulnerable, impressionable, courageous and tender moments, while allowing themselves to open up to the sheer force and unpredictable nature of labor and birth. I believe that if women are nurtured and respected during pregnancy through birth, they can gain a new sense of self and can discover more things about themselves that they ever thought possible. This strength and empowerment can sustain them throughout their lives as a woman, Mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and human being, and they can teach their children, that ANYTHING is possible.


Brynne Caleda, M.Ed., RYT
EMAIL brynne@brynnecaleda.com
PHONE 808.753.8501
WEBSITE www.brynnecaleda.com

In the pursuit of sharing yoga with pregnant women, moms and their babies, and children over the past 5 years I have come to realize the amazing physical and emotional benefits yoga has for women and their children during and post pregnancy. Inspired by my students and wanting to assist them not only on the mat but also through their birthing experience I decided to take the beautiful journey of training to be a doula. Blessed with so many senior teachers knowledge (Kathryn Julia, Janis Bush, Cathy Louise Broda) and my own academic and in the field training I feel I am able to offer women the support they need to make their birthing experience comfortable and closest to their birthing vision.


Clinical Studies Show
  • using a Doula tends to result in shorter labors, less complications

  • a Doula helps to reduce negative feelings about one's childbirth experience

  • a Doula can reduce the need/request for pain medication and/or epidural.

  • using a Doula can minimize the need for pitocin (labor-inducing drug), forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesareans


Kari Wheeling, CD(DONA)
PHONE 330-2005

I am a certified Birth Doula through DONA and a certified breastfeeding counselor through The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. For the last 7 years I have been working as a Doula and actively involved in the prenatal field, attending and coordinating various conferences and workshops. I work with expecting parents as part of their birthing team to achieve the best possible birth outcome based on the wishes of the parents. I provide information and support that is pertinent to the family so that the parents can make a knowledgeable and informed decision about their birthing event.


    

Sharon Love, CD(DONA)
EMAIL birthingwithlovehawaii@yahoo.com
PHONE 808-387-5538

My name is Sharon, and my passion is empowering women to believe in their ability to give birth to their babies naturally without fear. I am a certified Doula through DONA; I am also studying to become a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Teacher, and am a Certified Hypnobirthing Doula.

I have been blessed with three beautiful daughters of my own, and two grandchildren. I had my first baby at the age of 17 and it was very scary. This event brought on my passion to accompany women and help them through the process. I wanted women to believe in their own body’s ability to give birth with confidence in the power they already posses.

I have been privileged to be present at over 100 births during my nine years as a Certified Doula. These births have involved a wide range of practices, from normal, natural childbirth in a home setting, to medicated births using epidural anesthesia in hospitals. I believe in a mother’s right to follow her vision for her birth as much as possible barring complications. Throughout the years my clients have had minimal use of anesthesia because of the relaxed state that can be achieved through reduction in fear, different positions, use of massage, water therapy, breathing techniques, and encouragement. I believe that the day our babies come into our lives is a sacred occasion to be cherished in peace without chaos. The fathers play an important role in the labor room and I support them by helping them understand what is happening at each stage of the labor, which reduces their fear of the unknown, this gives them assurance throughout the birth. If you are interested in my services, I would be happy to meet with you and your partner for a free interview to discuss my services further in depth. I look forward to meeting you. Happy Birthing Day!
Sharon Love


    

Kaela Ashton
EMAIL kaekailua@hotmail.com

I feel that every woman deserves to have the birth of her choice and her dreams. My goal as a Doula is to help women through the amazing process of labor and birth by providing physical and emotional support. I also feel it is important for women to be educated so that they are able to make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy and birth. I wish for all women to have an uplifting and peaceful birth, and truly feel grateful to help with the process.

I have one son, born naturally with the help of a Doula. I am currently certifying through CAPPA to become a certified labor Doula. I also study nursing at the University of Hawaii.