The word doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the birthing person before, during and just after birth.
Doula Services
My role as a doula is to support the birthing person in all of their choices and assist them in following their intuition and accessing their power within.
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The word doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to describe a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the birthing person before, during and after birth. It is an honor to assist families through the journey of pregnancy, birth and post partum.
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During pregnancy, I help the birthing person and their family prepare emotionally, mentally and physically, and plan for the birth either at home or in a hospital. It is a transformative time, and it is my hope to provide comfort, knowledge and support to the laboring person.
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I am dedicated to constant research in the field of
childbirth, post partum and reproductive health. It is my job to offer the family a wealth of resources. There is always more to learn as birth is so individual. Every experience is unique.
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During birth, I am with the birthing person the entire time as a support, guide and sister. More than anything else, I am there to support their choices and decisions no matter what. I offer an objective perspective for both the birthing person and the family and am also there to support the partner. After birth, I remain with the woman and family for assistance, celebrating this life-changing moment and helping with cleaning and settling in.
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I offer post partum support in the home to help with questions, care, lactation and overall emotional, mental and physical support. A lot of questions and concerns can come up after the birth and it can be of great comfort and relief to talk to someone. I strive to put minds at ease and help families connect with their own intuition and instinct. They are the authorities on their child. I can also help to simply hold and quiet the baby while a parent takes a shower. It is awe-inspiring and humbling to be of support during this beautiful and challenging time.
Volunteer Doula Award
Erika Richardson is the recipient of the 2016 Volunteer Doula of the Year award from the Doulas Association of Southern California in honor of her non-profit work with mothers and families.
Volunteer Doula of the Year Award
2016
Erika Richardson
