Behind La Bella Doula
I’m Jalisa
I’m Jalisa!
31-years-young. Doula student. I work at a local Boys & Girls Club and also as an Instructional Paraeducator for high-school kids.
Background
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I have also completed some of my coursework for my Masters in Social Work. My ultimate goal is to work with couples and families, helping them identify their strengths and address any deficiencies.
Before working on becoming a doula, I worked as a caseworker for children in foster care, in group homes for individuals with intellectual, behavioral, and developmental disabilities, and as a case manager for ex-inmates transitioning back into society. From these jobs I have grown skilled at:
Displaying empathy
Handling high-stress situations
Goal-setting
Case planning
Conflict resolution
Serving as a liaison/mediator
Advocating for the needs of my clients
Why Am I Becoming a Doula?
That's not an answer I can put into a few words.
Ever since I was younger, all I could remember saying about giving birth was that I didn’t want to give birth in a hospital, nor receive any medications. I just knew that my body would be sufficient enough for labor and also knew how I wanted to shape that experience. I was also very adamant about bring in control of my birthing environment.
Like many, I had never heard of doulas and their functions, but once I did, I immediately knew that this was something I wanted to have for my birth. After talking to my wife, I also knew that I wanted to serve as her doula because with me being the person I am, I knew I would go into overdrive and research everything pregnancy. I also know that I want to be very hands-on and involved to help our birth go as smoothly as possible. The more that I started to learn about rights, choices, and realized that the experience of giving birth has more weight to it than even I originally imagined, it made me want to share this same knowledge with others in hopes of empowering those into taking an active, assertive role in their birth stories.
How I Help
It is my belief that pregnant individuals have the innate ability to give birth and should be encouraged to trust in their bodies’ faculties for that task. Whether you are in the role of laborer or support person, pregnancy and childbirth are not meant to be traumatizing experiences, but rather emotional, transformative, journeys for everyone in your family.
This is where I assist.
I will help you manage the ending stages of your pregnancy, as you transition into parenthood. When you finally welcome your new bundle of joy and take your first steps into parenting, you may not be feeling your most confident. Even veteran parents can feel somewhat apprehensive due to the fact that their family is growing yet again or especially if there’s been a gap of time in between children. I can help you identify any fears or anxieties you may have and provide assistance in restructuring your way of thinking or skills training.
I combine my unique perspective, skills, and education to provide you with sensitive and quality care. My main focus is you, your experience, and helping to prepare you for that. Working together, we will create your birth plan and highlight ways to make your birth a positive, memorable one.
If there are topics you do not see mentioned, feel free to shoot me an e-mail, I’ll do some research and blog about it!
Sincerely,
La Bella Doula
Follow me on:
Facebook – La Bella Doula
Instagram - @labelladoula
Pinterest – La Bella Doula
Email – labelladoula@outlook.com
Phone: (302) 709-1774
La Bella Doula, Birth Doula in Delaware
Blending social work and doula practices to empower you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond
As a professional Doula, I will work by your side as you prepare to give birth; present in each moment with a spirit of love and compassion. Whether you are interested in a birthing class, or would like to work with me as your doula, I’ll provide the emotional, educational and physical support you need not only during labor, but throughout your pregnancy and postpartum as well.
Services
What can I do for YOU??
If you are undecided about whether or not a doula is a good fit for you, or would like to learn more about how the many ways a doula can enhance your birth, contact me so we can schedule a free consultation.
The role of a doula is very flexible. Here, we will also be able to start discussing concerns you may have, so feel free to come with questions!
Contact me by phone or email to set up your free consultation
Phone: (302)709-1774
From the time you hire me as your doula, I will be your on-call support – from the rest of your pregnancy until immediately after birth. Together we will finalize your birth plan, and assess your readiness for baby. Essentially what that means is I will be meeting with you at least once before your birth and providing you with educational resources chosen specifically for your needs to help you prepare. If you like, I can also attend prenatal visits as you communicate with your doctor or modify and plan for your delivery – whether it’s in a hospital, birthing center, or at home.
After baby’s arrival, I will remain with you to help promote bonding and make sure you’re recovering fine.
In the event that I am unable to attend, I will make arrangements for a backup doula.
Possible methods of labor support include, but are not limited to: use of birth and/or peanut balls, use of essential oils, repositioning, massage, birth affirmations, scripture readings, and taking photos.
Following your delivery, I will make a postpartum visit to your home to check in on how you’re recovering and adjusting to life with a new baby. I’ll also remain available for support via email/text.
If you find that you’re having some struggles – its okay! Don’t be too hard on yourself. I am also available for extended postpartum services – whether that be for a nap, a nice long bath, light housekeeping, or babysitting.
This may also be a great option if you do not require full birth services, but do feel you will need the extra help at home.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, there are likely questions that you will have about your pregnancy. Some you may be more eager in asking than others. As your doula. I will assess your educational needs and follow up with a variety of educational tools that will help answer your questions.
Ask for recommendations from my personal resource library, which consists of videos, books, and evidence-based articles.
The practice of mindfulness leads to increased self-awareness and involves focusing on your body’s physiological responses to everyday situations. Using this technique, we will explore in-depth patterns of thinking that may be counteractive to your birth journey.
Labor cookies – order a batch of these cookies, which are believed to help jumpstart your labor!
Padsicles – aiding in recovery from swelling, hemorraghing, and bruising, and stitches, padsicles are specially made sanitary napkins that provide soothing relief, as there can sometimes be pain or discomfort after giving birth. The pads are soaked in the choice of an herbal mixture or aloe vera and witch hazel and then frozen for use after delivery.
Herbal bath – done post-delivery, this herbal bath treatment consisting of herbs and essential oils can help with postpartum recovery and healing.
Birth ball/Peanut balls - To be used during labor, birth and peanut balls are used to help labor progress. They are also great for helping baby get into position as well as for pain relief. Can also be used for epidurals!
Aromatherapy - If you know certain scents that help relax or soothe you, request a diffuser or the use of essential oils during your birth.
Birth Affirmations/Scripture readings - To help keep you on track and focused on your labor, motivating birth affirmations and/or scripture readings are great to draw upon your inner strength.
Music, Photos, & Video - If you would like your doula to have less of a hands-on role in your birth, I can stand back and capture those priceless moments.
Creating a special playlist of your desired tunes is a great way to maintain a stress-free environment!
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.”
Alice Walker
