Laura Hurtienne, Birth Doula
Serenity Birthing Services, LLC
serenitybirthing@yahoo.com

As a Birth Doula I have experienced the miracle of life many times over, but it never becomes less amazing. God gave women a gift that can never be matched in any fashion, and I am truly blessed to witness it time and time again. I strive to empower the families that I work with by educating and supporting them throughout pregnancy, labor and birth.

In my own experience, I went into my first labor without any preparation and therefore didn't make the choices that may have enabled me to have a healthier birth. I want to reach out to other families so that they can make their birthing experience one that they feel fulfilled by.

Dr. Robert Bradley put it best when he compared childbirth to swimming, "a woman who doesn't know how to swim is given 9 months notice that she will be thrown into deep water". Are you going to learn how to swim?

As your Doula, I will begin with 2 prenatal appointments where I provide prenatal education and assist your family in making a birth plan. In this time, we can address any questions or concerns that you may have and also create a relationship with you. If you would like, I will accompany you to one prenatal appointment with your Doctor or Midwife so that they can meet me and have any of their questions answered. I am on call for you if any questions or concerns should arise.

When labor is in progress, I will be there to provide more education and support to you and your family, and continue to be there throughout your birthing experience. I have a passion for photography so I will also provide photographs to commemorate your experience. After the birth, I will stay to assist with breastfeeding (if needed) and baby care for up to two hours. At about 2 weeks postpartum, I will come to your home and do a follow-up appointment, otherwise known as getting my baby fix!

For more information, and to see examples of some of my photography, please visit my website at: http://serenitybirthingservices.com.

Congratulations, and I hope to enjoy your birthing experience with you!