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About me / My birth philosophy.

I have been attending births in the Ann Arbor area since my certification with DONA (Doula’s of North America) in 2001.
I attend between four to eight births a year, enjoying a slower pace practice that I feel allows me to be more physically and emotionally available for my clients. The sacredness of birth is very important to me, and though it is a very physical process, I also see it as an opportunity for us to grow as human beings. Birth happens every day, but it is very hard work and no small feat! The birthing mother deserves our awe at her strength.

   

MY BIRTH PACKAGE INCLUDES VARIATIONS ON THE FOLLOWING: 
(see refrences at bottom of page)

BEFORE LABOR                        
discussion of:   nutrition, exercise, emotional well being, physical pregnancy thus far,                                                    priorities for your birth, stories of past birth experiences,
                your present perspective of childbirth and pain, hospital interventions,
                available childbirth education paths, support measures you may relate to best
                your loved one's desires and priorities
                how you envision my presence supporting you best, post birth preparations
phone and e-mail contact as needed
optional:       herbal suggestions (nutritive pregnancy teas)
                       reiki (hands on relaxation)
                       photography, belly casting
                       help planning a ceremony to bless your strong birthing body and transition into motherhood.

DURING LABOR
early phone contact, support at your home and help deciding when to transfer to the hospital
continuous presence throughout active labor and birth.
physical support: help with position changes, hydration
                           massage
                           reiki
positive encouragement! , and verbal affirmations work wonders
i will function as an appropriate liaison between you and the hospital staff, making sure you are informed and well respected.

AFTER LABOR
continuous presence until you are ready to rest
initial breastfeeding help
phone contact as needed
postpartum visits: process your birth and help you arrange support in the coming weeks. . .
                         light house cleaning
                         help with baby so you can rest
optional:          herbal suggestions
                         healing postpartum foods prepared in your home
                         reiki
                         photography

Please phone me to set up a free interview. 734.646.1351


. . . Caryn Simon provided invaluable assistance and comfort to me, my husband, and our four-year-old-son. . .
She displayed a thorough knowledge of the physical aspects of pregnancy and labor, from nutrition and exercise
to pain management and positions during labor. In addition, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the emotional impact
that childbirth can have on women and their families. . . Her presence brought me great relief at this pivotal time in my life.
-Sheri

. . . Caryn took care to get to know me and my family and understand our needs and wishes. . . she helped me make a cast
of my pregnant belly and assisted my friends in planning a 'blessing' party which is one of my most cherished memories.
I found her Reiki skills particulerly helpful when labor became intense. . . She assisted me in problem solving some nursing
difficulties I was experiencing, and also helped me process the birth experience and supported me as I struggled with
post-partum emotions.
-Johanna

Caryn was my post-partum Doula after the birth of my second child. I can not think of a person better suited to do such work.
As a pediatrition and breast-feeding advocate, I also fully appreciate Caryn's deep commitment to helping new mothers
get the support they need to successfully breastfeed.
-Beth Barclay M.D

I spoke with several Doula's and Caryn's warmth and sense of calm made me and my husband feel the most at ease.
I appreciated the fact that she supported a natural birth without being dogmatic. . .
Caryn had a very good sense of what to suggest in order to make contractions manageable for me durring labor,
and she and my husband worked fantastically well together. . . her Reiki skiils were a wonderful bonus!
-Angela

With Caryn's assiatance I was able to have a natural, unmedicated birth. . . she helped nip a potential long-term trauma in the bud
and ensured that we were off to a good start as a family. She is a wonderful empathetic and resourceful person,
and I highly recommend her services to anyone looking for help with a better birth.
-Katy

Caryn Simon        artemisia418[at]gmail.com        734.646.1351