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Welcome to Precious Beginnings Doula Services! My name is Shawna Whitten, DONA Trained Birth Doula.

 

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

 

If you would like the support of a doula during your bed rest, birth, and/or postpartum journey, I would love to be of service to you.

 

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. 

 

A Birth Doula:

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life

• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor

• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth

• Stays with the woman throughout the labor

• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions

• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers

• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience

• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

 

Why use a doula?

DONA International doulas mother the mother. Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences. DONA International doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for. 

 

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

• Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications

• Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience

• Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and   cesareans

• Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

 

Research shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for

• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

• Have greater success with breastfeeding

• Have greater self-confidence

• Have less postpartum depression

 

I have received specialized training from DONA International at Bastyr University under the instruction of Internationally renowned author, childbirth educator and Simkin Center senior instructor Penny Simkin. 

A Bit About Me

I see pregnancy, birth, and the growth of a family as one of the most beautiful things about humanity. As a Doula, I am privileged to help women and their partners make these experiences as positive and healthy as possible. And it’s never surprising to me when another scientific study proves the positive impact a doula can have on the mother and family. I am proud to have received my certification and offer care to women and families across the Tri-Cities & surrounding areas, and I have been blessed to support moms, families, and make meaningful relationships as a Doula for 9+ years.

Birthing Guidance

Here for You

Get extra personal support throughout the entirety of your birthing journey. As a Doula, I promise to offer unwavering support to you and your family before, during, and after birth. I will stay in close contact in order to routinely check how you’re doing and offer any support needed.

Expectant Couple
Hand on Bump

Prenatal Visits

Informative and Compassionate

After beginning our relationship with a meet and greet, as your doula I am committed to your health and the wellbeing of your growing family, available whenever needed throughout your entire pregnancy as well as after giving birth. I will be there to provide you with continuous emotional and physical support, and answer any and all questions you may have.

woman 2

"I couldn't have had the birth experience I had without Shawna. My husband and I plan to have more babies and we look forward to having Shawna as our Doula again. She was my advocate and an additional support to me and my family. It's pretty simple: birth is just better when Shawna is there." 

-Shannon

woman 14

"I will always praise the amazing way that Shawna made my husband and I feel, and even my mother. I will always look at the way my youngest daughter was born, and thank God for Shawna Whitten. Without her, I know my birth story would not be the same, and I LOVE the impact she has made on my life, and my family's life. If you are looking to be comforted, loved on, and taken care of while you labor, have Shawna there, and you will never look at your birthing the same way again! Thank you Shawna! We love you!"

-Anna

woman 3

"She was able to instruct my mother and husband on what to say/do when they looked lost or were just standing around, she guided my husband on how to get more involved in helping relax/calm me. She said the most encouraging words during labor, she almost took over a motherly role, such a WONDERFUL Doula!" 

-Chelsey

Contact

Baby holding parent pinky finger

Thank you for reaching out! I look forward to talking to you soon!

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