Maggie Graff
Doula Blessings

Maggie is the mother of 5 children and grandmother of 9. She has personally experienced many aspects of childbirth including a general anesthetic/forceps delivery, 2 natural childbirths in the hospital, and 2 home births. Having birthed with the Lamaze and Bradley methods, she is well-versed in labor-coping strategies.

Maggie has received her Doula/Labor Companion certification from the Manna School of Midwifery and is also certified through DONA International. She was on staff as a birth doula with The Birth Place at Columbia Center for four years.

Maggie is willing to attend births from Milwaukee to Sheboygan. With 10 years experience as a La Leche League Leader, breastfeeding assistance is an important part of her care for new mothers. In addition, Maggie offers birth photography for interested parents.

"I believe that childbirth is a natural, normal God-designed process. However, with the unfamiliarity and stress of labor, you might welcome an experienced, calm advocate who can guide you through the process. I am here to help you and your partner identify your options, assist you in preparing for and carrying out your birth plan, help you discover your own strengths, enhance your partner's presence with suggestions and encouragement, or be your labor coach if you are without a partner. Birth must preserve your dignity and must remain a joyous event with you feeling in control of this memorable time. I recognize birth as a key life experience, one that creates a deep and permanent memory that can have a profound impact on how you view birth, your child and yourself. I perceive my role as one who nurtures and protects you, your desires, and your memory of the birth. One of Webster's definitions of a blessing is 'a thing conducive to happiness.' I would love the opportunity to be your 'Doula Blessing'."

Contact Info: call 414-416-7546 cell, 262-692-9013 home
or email - doulablessings@juno.com

www.doulablessings.com

"Uncertain. Curious. Reluctant. Consider a natural birth? When I first called Maggie Graff about engaging a doula for the birth of our second child, I had mixed feelings. But a little voice inside me was nagging me to learn more. I was intrigued by the experiences of friends who had recently given birth naturally. Joy and wonder filled their voices when each related her feelings of accomplishment. Their newborns, too, had been very content and alert upon arrival. Now I'm a believer - and advocate - for natural birth.

Note that I "did drugs" -pitocin and epidural - for the birth of our first daughter. In retrospect, I had felt out of control of my own body during labor and delivery - literally a bystander in one of the most significant of human experiences. Despite a normal and relatively short (9 hour) labor and delivery, my recovery was protracted. I felt lethargic, bloated and just out of sorts for a week.

In stark contrast, I felt ecstasy and fulfillment when our second daughter arrived. She was peaceful, content and alert. I was out of bed within an hour or so and felt tired, but blissful. Visitors remarked on my glow and energy. (In fact, the day after I was released from the hospital, I attended the wedding ceremony of a good friend!)

Avoid the common urging to "do drugs" to deaden the pain of labor. They also deaden - and change - the beautiful experience of labor. It is truly a gift. Believe Maggie. This really is "good pain". She will prepare you and your partner - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. She will shepherd your journey. She will inspire you to have the focus to draw on the depth of your being for strength, courage and endurance. With her help, you will achieve the most fulfilling experience of your life."

-Leslie, Milwaukee

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"The second time was the charm/dream-come-true delivery. I only wish I had heard of a doula with my first pregnancy. I'm convinced if I had a doula for my first daughter's birth I would not have ended up with a Cesarean. Maggie was a critical (probably the only) reason I had a successful VBAC. Being a physician, I'm usually critical of anyone other than an OB (MD) helping with the birth of a baby. Doulas, however, help support the mother emotionally and spiritually during the delivery. Maggie was able to keep me focused and remained professional throughout the 15 hours of labor. Not only did she keep me focused but she allowed my husband to be an active labor support person.....She supported me and her calmness was incredibly comforting! Without Maggie we couldn't have had a successful VBAC. She is an amazing doula & an incredibly giving and loving human being."

~ Dr. Sheila Jhansale

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"I would NEVER attempt to have a baby without a doula!

Having Maggie's assistance for Sullivan's birth made all the difference in the world. Her suggestions for changing positions, walking, showering, etc. really helped with pain control as well as mental/emotional peace. Plus, her presence freed up my husband to just "be" with me. This was my 3rd baby, PLUS because of my profession, I am very well versed in labor and childbirth. HOWEVER, when it it you who is going thru labor, all that education & experience go right out the window. I felt vulnerable and unsure of myself.

This is where Maggie shines! She was my confident solid rock. She remembered what my pain-addled brain forgot. She was calm while I panicked.

NEVER, NEVER ATTEMPT CHILDBIRTH WITHOUT A DOULA! "

~ Dr. DeAnna Lyons