Doula Support
Background
The first Doula Training that I attended in 2017 set me on the path of deeply exploring my own womanhood. I realized there was so much I wasn't aware of within my own body! From that point on, I became obsessed with learning about all the sacred aspects of being a woman, with a special focus on birth and postpartum. My devotion to learn about women's bodies, reproduction, and the profoundly rich journey of every woman has only continued to blossom over the years.
I am passionate about offering women the support they deserve during the enormously transformational times of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I am devoted to understanding my client's needs so that I can do my part to create more ease and integration as they step into the next phase of their lives.
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My life-long studies of Yoga & Ayurveda shape the way in which I support clients. I also have a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (minor in Nutrition Science) from Northern Arizona University. My well-rounded background fosters an approach that is grounded, intuitive, and holistic.
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I live at Mount Madonna Center (outside of Watsonville) in northern California and am available to travel around to offer Doula support.​​ I am available for births at home, in the hospital, and at birth centers.​
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To accommodate these times of uncertainty with the pandemic, I offer Virtual/Remote Doula Support as well. I will offer the same committed and personalized support during your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experiences, just without the physical hands-on component. Even with restrictions in place, you will still feel fully supported by me.
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~ Prenatal Yoga is included in all Prenatal Visits ~
Now Accepting Clients!
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Trainings
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DONA Birth Doula Training December 2017, Maui - Sierra Childbirth Institute
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DONA Birth Doula Training February 2018 (student & assistant), Big Island - Hope Medford & Jesse Remer
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Breastfeeding Workshop March 2018, Big Island - Sasha Williams
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training April/May 2019, Mount Madonna Center, CA - Hannah Muse
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DONA Postpartum Doula Training September 2019, Santa Cruz, CA - Kathrin Auger
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Childbirth Education Class (4 class series) July 2020, Big Island - Hope Medford
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Physiologic Baby Care E - Course November 2020 - Rachelle Garcia Seliga
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Miscarriage Support Online Workshop August 2021 - Ariele Myers
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Miscarriage & Abortion E - Course, October 2021 - Samantha Zipporah
"I want you to know how thankful I am for your support as a doula during the hardest point in my entire life. You really made a big difference during a stressful time. You were endlessly patient, selflessly kind, giving, wise, honest, true, and loving among so many more beautiful ways beyond my words to describe who you have been and are to me. I know you will be a successful doula because you already are."
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-Jenny Lynn Knowles
My Birth Doula Services
The birth of your baby is an event that you will never forget. The way in which you experience your birth will have a profound impact on not only your relationship to yourself, as a Mother, but it will influence your relationship with your baby and the whole family dynamic. You deserve a birth experience held in freedom, safety, and support . With devotion, I will stand by your side as a nurturing and knowledgeable advocate. As part of your team, I will honor your choices and encourage you in claiming your needs and voicing boundaries around your birthing process.
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What exactly will I do as your Birth Doula?
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As your Birth Doula, I will be a consistent, reliable, and loving support for you through not only your birth, but throughout your pregnancy.
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I offer:
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Unlimited, 24-hour a day on-call support during your entire pregnancy
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Two prenatal sessions to provide thorough preparation for your birth. The prenatal visits include my specialty knowledge and services that are listed below. The prenatal visits will also allow time for us to get to know one another on a deep level. Together (partner included), we will approach your birth from a place of knowledge, confidence, practice, and trust
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Early labor support in your home
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Continuous active labor support in your chosen birth setting
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Early postpartum support & care (first couple hours after birth)
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Two postpartum home visits
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Specialty Knowledge & Services:
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Physiology of pregnancy & birth/ stages of labor
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Use of basic Spinning Babies techniques at prenatal visits & at the Birth
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Guidance and practice of birthing positions for Mother & partner (including the use of the birth ball)
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Ayurvedic approach to diet & lifestyle for pregnancy and postpartum
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Emotional support & words of affirmation during labor
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Assistance with creating your birth plan/intentions
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Handouts provided on pregnancy and birth related information
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Provide resources including books, podcasts, and local practioners
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Counter pressure/acupressure points on Mother during labor
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Prenatal Yoga included in prenatal sessions (for mom and partner) as well as yogic principles used through pregnancy & birth support
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Rituals to spiritually and emotionally prepare for birth, including making a birthing altar and holding a Blessing Way Ceremony (if desired by Mother)
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Creation of meal train for the postpartum period
Cost for Birth Doula Services: $750
(discounts & payment plans available as needed)
"Crystal is family from the first meeting. She is a wealth of womanly wisdom and comfort. I think she was born to help women in all stages of the birthing process. Crystal is calm, reliable, youthful, skilled, truthful, angelic, and very loving. She understands and cares a lot. During my labor, she stayed in tune and listened, attending smoothly and with grace."
-Ann Watts
My Postpartum Doula Services
The postpartum period is the sacred window of time after your baby is born and is said to last about 40 days. Although welcoming a new baby into your family can be the most magical and exciting time of your life, it also requires massive amounts of energy and huge life adjustments. As a Postpartum Doula, I holistically support the new mother and her family (partner, other children, and even pets) through this tender time of immense transformation and vulnerability. I offer an extra pair of hands at a time when it is easy, and common, to feel overwhelmed and exhausted by so much change. This period does NOT have to be one of depletion. With the right support, this can be a phase of profound personal regeneration and unforgettably sweet connection for the whole family. In order for the Mother, specifically, to fully embrace her heightened sensitivity, deep primal wisdom, intuition, and bliss of this period of time, she herself needs to be nurtured and mothered. This crucial support is available to you and you deserve it!
What exactly will I do as your Postpartum Doula?
I will offer physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual support during your adjustment to parenthood. I am extremely passionate about sharing my wisdom and understanding of the multi-layered postpartum period. According to Kimberly Ann Johnson, author of “The Fourth Trimester”, the Five Universal needs of a postpartum woman are:
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Extended Rest Period
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Nourishing Foods
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Contact with Nature
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Loving Touch
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The Presence of Wise Women and Spiritual Companionship
I use these Five Universal needs to inform my postpartum offerings. Here is a list of my specialty knowledge/services to you as your Postpartum Doula:
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Light house cleaning
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Cooking food and making medicinal teas
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Grocery/supply shopping/trash drop-off/water pick-up
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Preparation of daily herbal sitz baths for Mother’s recovery
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Simple massage for Mother
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Ayurvedic diet & lifestyle recommendations
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Support with Yoni steaming (once bleeding has stopped)
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Meditation and (very) gentle Asana tailored to the postpartum period
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Support with rituals such as the Closing of the Bones Ceremony
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Basic breastfeeding support
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Education on infant care/development
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Birth story processing & emotional support
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Diapering support/Elimination Communication
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Support with baby wearing
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Sleep support
Cost for Postpartum Doula Services: $25/hour
(discounts available as needed)
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