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


tammi

Tammy Uva, CD(DONA), PCD(DONA), CLD (CAPPA),
CLC, DONA Hawaii State Representative
EMAIL
PHONE 808.672.5399 or 808.225.0668
WEBSITE laborofloveoahu.com

I have over 30 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.


     maria kawata

Maria Price, CD(DONA), DONA Trained Postpartum Doula
EMAIL
PHONE 808.722.2705
WEBSITE pacificdoula.com

The first year of my journey as a doula unfolded beautifully with the support and openness of over 40 families. I have been involved with Birthing Programs specializing support in multi-cultural, multi-lingual support, and young mothers under 22, private clients who I have had the blessing to meet, and being a part of the Board of Directors of a non-profit Doula organization. I commit to doing my best in supporting your experience so it will be remembered as you hoped and wished for it to be.

I am blessed to know what it feels like first-hand to be well supported (and the other way around) when having a baby and growing with him. I am bilingual in English and Japanese, building my home in Honolulu with my loving ever-growing ohana.

全てのサービスは、英語と日本語の両方で提供させて頂いています。


Pat

Pat Goding, RNC, BSN, ICCE
EMAIL
PHONE 808.677.8554

I am an ICEA certified childbirth educator, teaching for 31 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 17 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.


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

Kari Wheeling, CD(DONA)
EMAIL
PHONE 808.330.2005

I am a certified Birth Doula through DONA and a certified breastfeeding counselor. I have 10 years of work experience in the maternal child health field, working to improve Hawaii ’s system of care of pregnant and parenting women both as a doula and public health advocate.

I work with the expecting women/parents as part of their birthing team. As part of the birthing team, I provide emotional and mental support to the woman and help empower the family during labor and delivery. I provide information by clarifying any questions or concerns you have about your birth so that the family can make informed and knowledgeable decision about every aspect of their labor a delivery.

Currently, I am continuing my education working towards my Family Nurse Practitioner and Midwifery license.


kaela

Kaela Kajiyama, CAPPA Trained Labor Doula
EMAIL
PHONE 808.393.5967

I feel that every woman deserves to have the birth of her choice. 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.


brynne

Brynne Caleda, M.Ed., RYT
EMAIL
PHONE 808.753.8501
WEBSITE 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.


Jessica Fujimoto, DONA Trained Birth & Postpartum Doula
EMAIL
PHONE 808.561.1383
WEBSITE reclaiming-motherhood.com

My name is Jessica and I am a DONA trained Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, and volunteer with Operation Special Delivery. I studied Speech Communication and Womens Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where I had the privilege of teaching introductory Womens Studies and Speech courses. However, after the birth of my daughter, I realized my true passion was to teach women to trust their body’s ability to give birth.

It is my hope that the families I work with will feel empowered to reclaim their birth and parenting experiences so that they can look back on the memories of their child’s beginning with peace, pride, and fulfillment. This means that you will be encouraged to make your own informed decisions regarding when, where, and how you will birth your child as well as how you will care for your child after the birth. It is my job to support those decisions and to help you communicate your wishes effectively to your care provider, friends, and family. I also believe your partner to be an integral part of the birthing and postpartum process and do my best to enhance your partner’s participation.

For more information visit www.reclaiming-motherhood.com or email me directly at reclaimingmotherhood@gmail.com
It would be my honor to walk beside you and your family on this journey.