Kathryn Lane Berkowitz, Perinatal Support Specialist

Support and Educational Services Include

For information on services and availability, call Kathryn at : 828-244-0434

~CUSTOM DESIGNED CHILDBIRTH CLASSES
in the privacy and comfort of your home, including :
~ Education for Expectant and New Parents
~ Preparation for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean or VBAC
~ Refresher classes
~ Birth preparation after a previous pregnancy loss
~Birth preparation after traumatic birth experience
~Birthing classes for high risk Moms on Bed Rest

LABOR, BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM DOULA SERVICES

I am available as a labor and birth doula to support you. I can also provide support in the first few weeks of motherhood.

WHAT'S A DOULA, AND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BIRTH DOULA SUPPORT?

Birth Doulas have the special role of "mothering the mother" during the entire process of labor and birth and first few hours after delivery.

They do this by offering emotional support, physical support, such as verbal encouragement, touch and assistance with positioning as well as other non medical comfort measures chosen by the mother.

Marshall Klaus, John Kennell and Phyllis Klaus summarize scientific studies which have been carried out on the advantages of doula-assisted births. The evidence cited is drawn from six randomized, controlled studies.

All participants were first time mothers, in good overall health and had had uneventful pregnancies. They were invited to participate when they were admitted into the hospital in labor.

The doulas were asked to stay with the laboring women constantly. All of the doulas in the study had experienced regular labors and vaginal births.

In all the above studies, the doulas used soothing words, touch and encouragement. They explained the procedures as they occurred and translated medical terms into laymen's terms.
The results of the studies were as follows:
~Reduced the overall cesarean rate by 50%
~Reduced the length of labor by 25%
~Reduced oxytocin (pitocin) use by 40%
~Reduced the use of pain medication by 30%
~Reduced forceps deliveries by 40%
~Reduced requests for epidural pain medication by 60%
~Reduced incidence of maternal fever
~Reduced the number of days newborns spent in NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit)
~Resulted in higher rates of breastfeeding
~Resulted in more positive maternal confidence
~Resulted in more positive newborn health
~Resulted in decreased rates of postpartum depression

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED:

~Postpartum Services for those first days home with baby
~Lactation Support & Education. I have experience with premature infants & multiples.
~Support & Education for special needs, such as VBAC & High Risk Pregnancy
~Community Education on Pregnancy, Birth, Breastfeeding, & Sanctity of Life Issues
~Pregnancy Nutrition & Fitness Information
~Perinatal Loss Support
~Lending Library of Books & Audio-visual materials
~Birth Plan Consulting
~Research Services
~Belly Casting Art

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHILDBIRTH CLASSES BY AN INSTRUCTOR WHO WORKS FOR YOU, NOT A HOSPITAL ?

Unfortunately, today's childbearing woman typically finds herself without ties to older female relatives and friends who can provide knowledgeable support and reliably teach her what to expect during childbearing and motherhood.

Custom classes are tailored to your specific needs. A woman having her first baby has very different needs from someone who is having her second or third.

A women who is planning a VBAC
(vaginal birth after cesarean)has unique needs that are not usually addressed in a "one size fits all" hospital class.

My classes are focued on you and your needs, are evidence based, and will give you the tools you need to comminicate with your care provider so that you can make informed choices about your maternity care and the birth of your baby.

Classes can do a great deal to provide pregnant couples with reliable, proven information and practical alternatives so that they may give birth with confidence, strength and joy.

Classes also help expectant parents:

~Formulate what is important to them during labor and birth and help them work cooperatively with their chosen birth attendants in realizing their goals.
~By providing practical tools for working with the sensations and emotions of birth, helping the mother relax by recommending variations in positions,touch and massage,reflexology, accupressure, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, homeopathy, spiritual support,and many other non-medical labor support techniques.
~By helping the father of the baby participate more fully in the experience, educating him on ways he can support his wife and baby during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period.
~By providing evidence that family centered, non-technical childbirth is the safest possible choice for mothers and babies.
~By assisting parents in making informed decisions when technology and or medications may be truly indicated, preparing them when unexpected outcomes occur.
~By providing information on the importance of nutrition, fitness and spiritual preparation as
key elements in a healthy and satisfying birth experience.
~By helping parents choose appropriate birth settings and attendants according to their informed choices.

I also provide postpartum support, after the birth, by assisting mothers in initiating breastfeeding relationships with their babies, and helping them adjust to the many physical and emotional changes that motherhood brings.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOULA or Labor Assistant:

1. Are you certified or working toward certification?
2. What has your training entailed?
3. How long have you been practicing?
4. Have you attended any births? How many and in what capacity ?
5. Have you worked with my doctor or midwife before?
6. Do you have basic skills, such as CPR?
7. Are you familiar with my hospital or birth center?
8. What services do you provide?
9. What is your own philosophy of birth?
10.What is your on call availability?
11.Do you have reliable back up?
12.What are your fees and what do they include?
13.May I have references from satisfied families you have served?
14.Are you accountable to any professional organizations?

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I serve a 50 mile radius of Lincolnton, North Carolina, including Charlotte, Hickory, Gastonia, Shelby, Statesville, Boone, and Lenoir

I offer packages of services depending on your individual needs. Please call 828-244-0434 or email birthdance@aol.com and I will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about services and fees. I can email you a copy of my detailed agreement before we meet.

What's a Postpartum Doula ?

Postpartum doulas have the special role of "mothering the mother" after the birth of her baby, whereas Birth Doulas assist women throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

Postpartum doulas are skilled and knowledgeable about the care and development of infants as well as maternal recovery and adjustment. I provide support and information on newborn care and feeding, assist you with physical and emotional recovery, care for baby so you can care for yourself, and provide practical, light household assistance.

POSTPARTUM DOULA CARE HAS DEMONSTRATED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:
~Increases success of breastfeeding
~Facilitates parent-infant bonding
~Decreases incidence of postpartum depression
~Encourages appropriate well-baby and mother care
~Increases parents’ confidence in their parenting skills
(Source: Nurturing Beginnings, by Debra Pascali-Bonaro)

Postpartum doulas do not provide medical services or treatments for mother or baby.
Postpartum doulas share evidence nased,up to date information with parents on current topics regarding early parenting so that parents can make informed choices on feeding, night-time parenting and other topics.

Postpartum doulas support whatever parenting style you choose. We assist you with your needs making it easier for you to parent your new baby.

WHEN DOES A POSTPARTUM DOULA WORK?

Postpartum doula care should be started within 3 months of the birth, but the sooner the better. We generally spend 2-4 days a week with your family for a minimum of 4 hours per day.

My fees range from $22.00 to $25.00 per hour for the first 4 hours per day and $18.00 - 16.00 for additional hours on the same day. Please call for more information. I am generally available from 10am to 10pm for postpartum services.

About Me

I am a wife, and the mother of four, three sons and a daughter. I am also a new grandmother!

MY TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE :

~I completed a 6 year direct-entry midwifery apprenticeship with Bethlehem Birthing Services, a practice with Certified Professional Midwives.
~ I have studied through Utah College of Midwifery, The Ancient Arts Midwifery Institute, the Aviva Institute, where I am currently an instructor, and many conferences. I continue to update my education by attending conferences, taking classes and reading.


~ I have attended births in many settings, including the hospital, in my clients' homes and at birth centers, such as "The Farm" in TN.

~ I have taught hundreds of couples prepared natural childbirth classes, and was a Perinatal Educator for 2 years in a hospital setting.

~ I have served on the Boards of North Carolina Midwifery Alliance and the International Cesarean Awareness Network.

~ I have served on the Area Council of LeLeche League of North Carolina.

~I have had a doula practice since 1993.

My own children were premature deliveries.
I have special empathy and experience to share with women in high risk pregnancies and have served as an online volunteer for SIDELINES, a national support group for women experiencing high risk pregnancies.

I have served as an online volunteer for Rachel's Vineyard, a national support forum for pregnancy loss through abortion. www.rachelsvineyard.org

I began attending births in 1993, as a Labor Assistant. I have attended women in the hospital, birth center, and at home.

I have earned dual certifications with the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators(ALACE)as a Certified Labor Assistant and Certified Childbirth Educator.

Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)as a Certified Labor Doula and a Certified Postpartum Doula

The Aviva Institute as a Certified Childbirth Educator and Postpartum Doula. I designed and teach the certified Postpartum Doula Course and the Certified Childbirth Educator Course for the Aviva Institute.


I have served as a trainer for the Certified Postpartum Doula program for CAPPA.


~I am working towards certification with Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth as a childbirth educator. www.lamaze.org

MY PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

The Aviva Institute www.avivainstitute.org

Association of Christian Childbirth Professionals, (ACCP)
www.christianbirth.org/

~Charlotte Doulas
www.charlottedoulas.org


MY MEMBERSHIPS:
~La Leche League International ( Leader ) www.lllofnc.org

~Leading Ladies of Lactation

~Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth www.lamaze.org

~I am a supporter of CIMS the Coalition for Improvement of Maternity Services www.motherfriendly.org/

~Charlotte Doulas www.charlottedoulas.org

~International Alliance of Midwives
http://www.midwiferytoday.com/iam/

North Carolina Friends of Midwifery www.ncfom.org
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I desire to network with other birth workers and advocate for maternity services that promote health and well being for mothers, babies and families.
To that end, I am the facilitator of Blue Ridge Birthing Arts, a study group for birth professionals.

My faith is very important to me and it is the foundation for my work in birth. Mothering is a high calling. I hope to inspire, encourage and empower women in their journey as mothers.

In addition to my work as a Maternal Support Specialist, I also enjoy bead and fiber art. Here is some of my work
www.blueridgediva.etsy.com

My Favorite Links

Aviva Institute
Lamaze Institue for Normal Birth
Charlotte Doulas

My Favorite Products

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