A Servant's Heart for Birth and Beyond

My name is Leah Garner and I am a Birth & Postpartum Doula. Coming from the Greek, doula refers to a woman’s servant. I help serve and support women and their families through the birth of their child and beyond. I have been able to support women and their families at a very vulnerable time in their lives. Many are away from their family support system, but still are in need of the essential support that all new mothers need. I am fulfilling God’s calling for me to help others, by providing compassionate non-judgmental support and knowledge of birth and postpartum care.

Over four years ago, I experienced an emergency cesarean with the birth of my son and had an even more challenging recovery due lack of support. The time following was a time of reflection of the things that I missed; the things that I needed that I did not get. I felt a calling to my heart from God to help women in similar situations. I have been on this journey as a doula for over three years now and I have experienced blessings at every turn. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve women and show them the grace and love of God through my actions.

As every child is different, so is the birth that brings them into the world. The needs of a woman are also just as varied during labor. A birth doula can supply a variety of tools, positions, and comfort measures meeting the needs of the mother as they arise. The doula can help the mother and partner create a birth plan outlining their preferences and goals for the birth.

Following the birth, the new mother and her family are still in need of compassionate and knowledgeable support as they grow into their new roles as parents. A postpartum doula provides hands on support and instruction in newborn care, breastfeeding support, and care for the mother during her recovery. The doula also helps with light housekeeping, preparation of nutritious foods, sibling care, and referrals of local resources. In addition postpartum doula is trained to screen for various problems including issues with breastfeeding and postpartum depression.

I have received my certification through Doulas of North America (DONA). The support a DONA doula provides is evidenced based, so families can be confident that they are receiving the best information available. If you feel that you or someone you care for would benefit from the care of a doula I would be happy to speak with you and answer your questions. You can call me at 765-414-1355 or by email at gracioushandsdoula@gmail.com. You can also go to my website www.gracioushandsdoula.com.

Blessings,
Leah M. Garner PCD(DONA)

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