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Experienced in natural childbirth as a dedicated birth companion, Monica's passion for birth stemmed shortly after being a mother herself. Upon completing professional training, she founded Life Links Doula Services | your connection to valuable resources and unwavering support; from pregnancy, to birth, and beyond.
WHAT IS A DOULA?
A doula is a non-medical, trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
Why is this important?
Evidence shows that the continuous presence of a doula in labor results in reduced rates of: induction, use of pain medication, Cesarean deliveries, and other important benefits to a mother and her baby.
Furthermore, Monica's compassionate approach (and undivided attention throughout labor), facilitates positive birth experiences for clients and couples to cherish for years to come.
Doula Services
What We Offer
PRIOR TO BIRTH
Unlimited phone or email support is available upon hire during regular business hours; including 24/7 on-call availability beginning at 37 weeks.
Before your birth, you will have access to a variety of handouts, templates, literature and books pertaining to pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding and more.
Monica will meet with you and your spouse or partner (if applicable) at least once before labor to become acquainted, to discuss your priorities including fears or concerns, your birth plan, and how we might best work together. She also wants to know your best ways of coping with pain and fatigue.
In addition to prenatal and postpartum planning sessions, you'll have an opportunity to participate in a Labor Dress Rehearsal. This 1:1 interactive meeting is a chance to practice Comfort Measures, review Stages of Labor, and solidify your birth plans.
PERSONALIZED CARE
Monica considers your birth space as sacred, and her bedside manner reflects this belief.
Her ability to provide perspective and knowlege, education and coaching, and opportunities for relief or rejuvenation are invaluable during the intensely demanding and arduous process of childbirth.
Fostering a safe, secure and relaxing space to achieve the birth you envision in a calm and loving environment, is of utmost importance.
Highly empathetic and observant, Monica will anticipate and respond to you or your loved ones' physical, emotional and practical needs throughout the duration of childbirth.
When Monica is on the birth team, couples are both taken care of. This makes for a memorable, positive and peaceful experience for all to enjoy.
COMFORT MEASURES TO EASE LABOR
LED candles, essential oils, birth & peanut balls, hot & cold packs, massage rollers, affirmation cards, a Rebozo shawl (and more), are available for you to incorporate during labor as you wish.
These natural pain management tools, along with Monica’s hands-on techniques (massage, acupressure, and light touch), suggestions of positional changes and movement in labor, at just the right times, not only promotes labor progression, but facilitates a relaxing atmosphere.
Combining comfort measures with Monica's professional guidance will lovingly help bring your baby earthside.
Following Delivery
POSTPARUM RECOVERY
Monica will typically remain with you at least two hours after birth, or until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. She can help with establishing breastfeeding and latch, recognizing baby’s cues for feeding, taking pictures to commemorate your special day, and other personal requests.
Monica offers an optional postpartum visit to check in with you and your baby once you’re settled in at home, to review your birth experience and answer any questions you may have, at no extra cost.
LACTATION SUPPORT
Breastfeeding support and referrals are available upon request up to six weeks after delivery to help you and your baby get off to a great start.
Next Steps
Let's Chat
To schedule a free non-obligatory consultation via Zoom (or in-person if you prefer and are local to Charlotte County), Call (941) 465-6850 or Email monicalifelinks@gmail.com.
I look forward to seeing if we're a good fit, and answering any questions you may have!
Meet Your Doula
A Trusted Birth Companion
Married with four beautiful children, I am a dedicated mother. I also have background in occupational therapy (OT), and practice on an 'as-needed' basis at a local skilled nursing facility.
My personal birth experiences are what originally opened my heart to a second calling. All were completely unmedicated natural deliveries; three via water.
Each time I witnessed my children's first breaths and moments in this world, I was completely mesmerized. And astounded by my mind-body-soul's capacity for giving birth! Thus stemmed my desire to help others also achieve a positive and satisfying birth experience themselves.
Shortly therafter, I obtained professional training through DONA International. And quickly got to work serving expectant women and families during their own unique pregnancy and birthing journeys.
Afterall, the way one is treated during childbirth is important; having long-lasting impacts on their mind, body and emotions. Mindful, I bring a calming energy, an assortment of comfort measures, and most of all huge heart to each birth I attend.
Thank you for considering me to be part of your birth team! I look forward to connecting you or your loved one(s) with the tools, information, and nurturing care to: confidently, safely, and peacefully navigate childbirth.
May this extraordinary new chapter of your life bring endless blessings and joy.