Alexandra
Berger-Polsky
Birth
Doula
Services
The core service package that I offer includes support during the prenatal period, support during birth, and support in the post-partum period.
Before the birth we will meet 1-2 times in order to get to know each other, discuss your vision for your birth and your birth preferences, and plan and prepare for the birth and postpartum.
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During the birth I am present and provide continuous support, in a range of forms based on the needs that arise in any given birth. This can include suggestion of positions and other comfort measures, provision of information regarding interventions (as necessary), emotional support and encouragement and support of partner.
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After the birth I will make 1-2 home visits in order to support in early breastfeeding and provide health and wellness information for postpartum, and to initially process the birth.
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Before and after the birth I will be available to meet, talk by phone, offer information, advise, answer questions, support through decision-making, and process the events of the pregnancy, birth and post-partum period.
Image: Georgia O'Keefe "Music Pink and Blue No. II" (1918)
I am always happy to schedule an initial meeting/interview. This is a chance for us to meet each other and see if we may be a good fit to work together. This meeting is without charge and comes with no obligation.
My model of care includes continuity throughout pregnancy, birth and post-partum. I believe the relationship that develops throughout this time enables deep support and best promotes the well-being of the mother and her family.
Additional services
Birth Preparation Course
Birth effects a woman on all levels - her body, heart, mind, and relationships. In this course, we will prepare for the transformative "Heroine's Journey" that is birth by becoming familiar with the physiology and experience of birth, learning and practicing coping skills as a birth team, preparing for postpartum and parenthood, while giving space to address and process the spiritual and emotional aspects of the journey. The course content is largely based on a combination of the "Birthing from Within" and "Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting" approaches. The exact number of sessions and content can be designed according to the woman's/couple's specific interests and needs.
Birth Processing
An integral part of the birth journey is the "return" - the integration of the travels, the triumph, and the loss that happened there into our daily lives. When birth is difficult or traumatic, we may get "stuck" in our attempts to return and the experience will feel unresolved. The power of sharing our birth story and being compassionately held, witnessed and affirmed in the depths of the journey can shift the hold this experience has on our lives.
Following this process, you will feel a greater sense of peace, self-compassion, and a recognition of your deep power that was revealed to you at the birth - which is every birthing woman's "birthright".
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The process may involve talking, mindful breathing and other body-based and imagery exercises, supportive touch (if you are comfortable), and drawing and mapping of the birth story. The use of the tools of mindfulness and body-awareness allow access to the deepest held hurts and enable release of the beliefs about ourselves into which these morph.
Facilitation of a Birth Circle/Blessingway Gathering
We will work together to design and facilitate a ceremony or gathering to prepare you for your journey through birth