RESOURCES

O‘AHU MIDWIVES —

O‘AHU PRACTITIONERS —

PELVIC FLOOR THERAPY

Chiropractor

PHOTOGRAPHERS

McKenna 
Home and hospital birth, maternity, newborn, couple 
(702) 461-0018
mckennaahquinphoto.com

Amelia
Home and hospital birth, maternity, family and couples
928-593-8359
ameliagray.net

MEN’S SUPPORT

Trevor Spring 
trevorspring.com

Couples Counseling

Elise Spring
spelloftruth.com

Barbara Essman 
808-286-3602

ACCUPUNTURE

Dr. Nina Kapfer 
The Lotus Clinic 
(808) 721-0353
thelotusclinichawaii.com

Dr. Maria Gold 
Kailua Acupuncture 
(808)262-4550
kailuaacupuncture.com

Osteopaths

Dr Strausser ( Kailua)
Family Medicine, Pediatrics 
808-270-5001

Dr Ferri (Kailua) 
808-263-4263

meal services

INTUITIVE GUIDANCE

Tahiti Kulia
tahitikulia.com

END OF LIFE DOULA

Chloe Pestana
chloepestana.com

Recommended Reading —

  • Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

    Showing women how to trust in the ancient wisdom of their bodies for healthy and fulfilling birthing experience.

  • Ancient Map for Modern Birth by Pam England

    Information needed to prepare for birth how to think and feel about labor, and how to tell their story.

  • Gentle Birthing, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J Buckley, MD

    Guide to natural childbirth and postpartum parenting options from an MD who home-birthed her own four children.

PODCASTS —

Choosing a Birth Team —

Research says that having a Doula (a trained labor support professional) as part of your labor support team provides the most benefits. Here are some tips for finding the right doula for you:

  • If you have a friend who has used a doula, ask her to share her story and have her introduce you to her Doula. Keep in mind that each woman and her birth are unique.

  • Ask your midwife or doctor for recommendations. Some hospitals and birth centers provide doula services or referrals. In addition, some providers regularly work with Doulas.

  • Ask your childbirth educator for a referral. They have heard many birth stories and may know local Doulas who have helped other women, or may work as a doula, as well.

  • Interview several doulas if possible before choosing one. When getting ready for your interview, think about what you want your Doula to do for you. How will she fit in with the rest of your labor support team? Think about how you deal with challenges and how you need support. What helps you to relax? Do you like lots of massages, or do you prefer the distraction of a conversation? How does your partner want to support you? Do they want to participate in the physical support or just be there emotionally for you? Ask the Doula how she sees her role at your birth.

FAMILY SUPPORT

Here are some tips for building a support team from within your friends and/or family:

  • Your family knows you, be sure to choose people who share your view of birth, make you feel confident and safe, and will follow your wishes at your birth.

  • Don ’t necessarily assume that a friend or family member with medical experience will offer the best labor support. Studies have shown that continuous support from people without medical training (like a Doula) may provide more benefits than support from nurses or doctors.

  • Involve your labor support companion(s) in your birth planning. For example, invite them to a prenatal appointment and your childbirth classes. If you write a birth plan, share it with your labor support companions and make sure they have a chance to talk about it with you and ask questions.

  • Make sure your “team” members communicate well with each other and are clear about their roles. Building team communication will ensure that everyone—including you—can stay focused on your labor instead of worrying about working together.

  • Share your favorite books, articles, or websites about birth with your labor support team.

DOULA SUPPORT

ALOHA, I AM PI‘ILANI

I am grateful to cross paths with you and to be a steward to care after you as you blossom into new layers of self and mother. I am from Hawai'i and grew up in a few cultural practices that have grounded be deeply into a beautifully woven relationship with Spirit and Mother Earth.