About Me
I'm Sally, owner of Best Beginnings Doula Services. I got my degree in social work from IU, but started my family shortly after, so I never got a chance to use it. Instead, I chose to home school my four daughters and be a stay at home mom for many years. When my girls got older, I discovered birth work and the role of a doula, which fit well into my love of teaching and helping women and children.
As a mom of four girls, I hope to be able to use my knowledge and skills many times as they grow their families. Currently, my husband of 30 plus years and I, have one grandchild, and we love spending time with him as much as possible.
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and three German Shepherd-mix rescues. I enjoy reading, especially mysteries, although more often than not, I'm reading about birth or babies.
The beach is my happy place and my husband and I would love to retire somewhere warm and tropical someday. I am a Pieces, so near the water, whether it's a lake, ocean or pool, is where I find peace.
As your birth doula, I...
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recognize birth as a unique experience that you will remember all your life
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educate you and your partner on labor, birth and possible interventions
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assist you and your partner in preparing for and carrying out your plans for birth
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stay by your side, providing emotional support and physical comfort measures throughout the entire labor
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suggest positions and techniques to help facilitate labor progress
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facilitate communication between you, your partner, and clinical care providers if mom or dad are unable
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provide an objective viewpoint and assist you and your partner in getting the information you need to make decisions
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be a reminder of a birth plan if there is a departure
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assist with the first feeding if needed
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help the new family get settled after birth
As your birth doula, I don't...
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tell you or your partner the "best" way to have your baby, instead I guide you to find what works for you
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do anything medical like take blood pressure or temperature, perform vaginal exams, recommend medications or procedures
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make decisions for you and your partner, but give you the tools to help you make the most informed decisions for yourself
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speak to medical staff on the mom's behalf without permission
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take the place of the laboring woman's partner, but teach the partner what to do and when
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guarantee a specific birth outcome, as labor and birth are unpredictable, but I will stay with you in all the twists and turns that may unfold
QUALIFICATIONS
Skills and Experience
DONA International
Birth doula training in July. Certified in December 2019.
Postpartum doula training in August 2017.
Spinning Babies
Training July 2019 and May 2021.
Hypnobabies
Hypno-doula trained December 2020 and Certified February 2021
Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice
52 credit hours of lactation training, certified Lactation Counselor August 2022
Dancy Perinatal Counseling
Trauma Informed Care Training. Preventing trauma in the birth room Level 1 & 2. April 2023
Aromas for Healing
Evidence based OB Aromatherapy for Nurses, Midwives, and Doulas. Trained November 2022.
Body Ready Method
Exercise and movements to prepare pregnant bodies for easier birth and postpartum. Certified March 2024
Teacher certification December 2024
Navigating the NICU for Doulas
Training to support NICU families and their special needs. September 2024
"In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves."
Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn
