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What is a Doula?

Welcome to You Can Doula This Baby, Your Trusted Companion on the Journey to Parenthood

 

Hello, and congratulations on embarking on this incredible journey to parenthood! At You Can Doula This Baby! We understand that the path to becoming a parent is a transformative and deeply personal experience. As a seasoned doula, I am here to provide unwavering support, guidance, and compassion throughout this magical chapter of your life.

 

What is a Doula?

 

A doula is more than a birth companion; we are advocates for your physical and emotional well-being. Derived from the ancient Greek term meaning "a woman who serves," a doula is a trained professional who offers continuous, non-medical support to individuals and couples before, during, and after childbirth. Our role is to empower you, ensuring that you feel informed, confident, and nurtured every step of the way.

 

Why Choose You Can Doula This Baby?

 

You Can Doula This Baby is not just a service; it's a commitment to personalized care. With a deep understanding of the unique needs and desires of each family, I am dedicated to creating a supportive environment that fosters a positive birthing experience. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or considering various birthing options, I am here to listen, educate, and assist in tailoring a birthing plan that aligns with your vision.

 

Our Approach

 

With a focus on holistic well-being, You Can Doula This Baby embraces a comprehensive approach to birth support. From providing emotional reassurance and comfort measures during labor to offering evidence-based information and postpartum care, our goal is to nurture your physical and emotional strength, fostering a positive and empowering birthing experience.

 

As your doula, I am honored to walk alongside you, offering a steady presence, compassionate guidance, and a wealth of knowledge to enhance your journey to parenthood.

 

Are you ready to embark on this incredible adventure together? Let You Can Doula This Baby be your trusted companion on the path to a joyous and empowered birth!

 

Feel free to reach out to You Can Doula This Baby to schedule a consultation and begin this transformative experience.

Happy Family

You Can Doula This Baby!

WELCOME!

Black women are three to four times more likely to die during pregnancy  and  childbirth related  complications, compared to white women.  This is a huge racial disparity in America. This number is shocking compared to other nations.

    My Website Pic.jpeg

    "You Can Doula This Baby!" advocates for women's reproductive health and medical injustices in America among women by using evidenced based care. Every woman or pregnant teen needs and deserves the support of a Birth Doula,  Postpartum Doula or both  to have a great birth experience.  Every woman deserves nonjudgmental physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.  Our mission is to be intentional by providing comprehensive support for mothers, teen moms and  infants of marginalized families and beyond.  Our company wants to educate women and their partners to help make informed decisions during pregnancy, labor & postpartum, regardless of race, religion, gender & socioeconomic status.

    Founder & Owner Marketta Hurst

    All About Me

    Who I Am

    I am a blessed mother of six beautiful children and nine wonderful grandchildren.  I have always been inspired by the strength of women and the miracle of birth. This is why I became a professional Doula.  I am proud to serve women and families throughout Orange, Lake, Sumter, Seminole,  Marion, Volusia Counties and abroad.  Every woman deserves to have someone there to guide and assist them in making educated choices about their pregnancy, and remind them that they can trust the strength of their bodies during this time. Studies have shown that hiring a Doula can reduce the length of labor, there may be less need for pain medication and they are 50% less likely to have a Cesarean Section.  I’m available to provide unbiased information to assist my clients so they can make informed educational decisions and  provide emotional support for their  best birth experience. 

    "Birth is not only about making babies.  Birth is about making mothers--strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength." Barbara Katz Rothman"

    Mother and Baby on Floor

    My Own Experiences

    Family Focused

    As a young mother, I  became pregnant at  age 18 and had my handsome son at 19. I remember contemplating abortion because I was afraid to tell my mother.  My friends helped me find an abortion clinic( I had no idea what I was doing) and when I  visited the clinic I ran out and couldn't go through with the procedure when I saw what happens to all the unwanted babies.  I remember feeling lonely during labor although my mom was with me.  I still wanted someone else in the room with me as the father had left me before my son was born.  I'm so glad I never went through with the Abortion.  God was watching over me and  I made the right decision to have my son. As a Doula I can be a support to those who feel alone or just need an unbiased person to hold their hand and coach them through the  intense labor pains, give a back massage or ice chips and motivate them by telling them "You Can Doula This Baby"!!! Your body was built for this.

    Get in Touch
    Mother Baby Bonding
    Business Discussion

    Training

    Skills and Experience

    Dona International

    Basics of Breastfeeding

    Trained on how to educate mothers to help baby should latch properly and if issues arise provide resources such as a Lactation Consultant.

    Med Trainer 2020-2021

    Coronavirus  Awareness Training

    COVID-19: COVID-19 Awareness Training, COVID-19: CDC's Recommendation for Using Cloth Face Coverings to Slow The Spread, COVID-19 Virus:  & other Coronaviruses.

    Dona International

    Birth Doula Education to Childbirth & Postpartum Doula-Birth In The Know

    Trained as a professional Birth Doula to assist in Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum support. This to include but not  limited to breathing techniques, birthing positions, massage,  education and other comfort measures.

    State of Florida Notary Education Course Huckleberry Notary Bonding, INC

    Notary Public -State of Florida & Certified Loan Signing Agent

    Three hours of interactive Notary Education Training from State of Florida  Certified Loan Signing Agent  Huckleberry Notary Bonding, INC & Certified Loan Signing Agent with  National Notary Association Insured, & Bonded.

    Baby Shower Gifts

    Doula Birthing Services

    How Can I Help?

    Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

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    Doctor Examining a Pregnant Woman

    Provide Your Feedback

    How Was Your Experience?

    Your voice and  personal experiences matter.  Your feedback is valuable to provide the best services possible.  Please add your testimonial about your personal experience with You Can Doula this Baby!  

    Would you recommend us to your friends?

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    An African American couple delivers their newborn baby in a pool of water at home during a

    “A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them”

    Victor Hugo

    FAQ

    Do you perform any physical examinations?

    A Doula is not working as a Clinical Professional,  therefore,  I will not  perform any clinical tasks or procedures such as vaginal exams, fetal heart checks, or blood pressure checks, nor do I administer any medications.  This will be the responsibility of the clinical staff  such as the Nurses, Physician  and/or your Midwife.

    How will hiring you as a Doula affect my partners role?

    Hiring me as your Doula will not diminish the role of your partner to help provide emotional support and comfort.  Having a Doula will allow your partner to rest and to have me as support for him or her as well.

    What are your interactions with medical staff like?

    My interactions with all medical staff will be professional and respectful through verbal and nonverbal communication. I view the clinical staff as being an optimal part of your birth experience.

    What forms of Payment is accepted? Do you accept payment arrangements, Cash, Zelle, Checks Debit, Credit  or Cash App?

    Yes, I accept all of the above.  Checks must be paid in person to verify identity.

    FAQ

    Do you do assisted Home Births, Birthing Centers and Hospital Births?

    Yes, I attend Hospital Births, Birthing Centers, and Assisted Home Births.  I don't attend unassisted births.

    Do  you accept Flexible Spending Accounts(FSA) and Health Spending Accounts (HSA)

    Yes, I accept both, if approved by your insurance.  It is your responsibility to ensure hiring a Doula and any other other Doula related services are covered. If the payment is reversed or rejected you will be responsible to pay the balance immediately within 24 hours.

    Will you make medical/clinical Decisions on my behalf?

      As the DONA Standards of Practice outlines “clients and doulas must recognize that the advocacy role does not include the doula speaking instead of the client or making decisions for the client. The advocacy role is best described as support, information, and mediation or negotiation.” 

    Do  Doulas support medicated births and  Cesarean births or natural births only?

    Yes I support mediated(Epidural) Vaginal  and Cesarean Births.

    I want you to feel safe and sure about everything to do with your birthing experience. Read some frequently asked questions about my business and my services. If you still haven’t found the answer you are looking for, feel free to get in touch with me.

    Father and Son

    Contact

    Get in touch to learn more about my services.

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    TESTIMONIALS

    Marketta Hurst-Founder