What Is A Doula?
A doula is a trained non-medical companion who supports another individual through a significant health-related experience such as childbirth, miscarriage, induced abortion or stillbirthday, or non-reproductive experiences such as dying. A doula may also provide support to the partner, family, and friends. The overall goal of a doula is for their client to feel safe, be informed, and feel comfortable, complementing the role of health professionals providing medical care.
Birth is a normal, natural process that your body was perfectly designed for. My role is to provide you with informational, physical and emotional support along with providing tools for self-empowerment. Working with your partner, encouraging and assisting him or her in achieving your desired birth. Do you have questions? Want to learn more about the benefits of a doula? Contact me for a free consultation.
About Me
Hello, my name is Tabitha Lopez. It is an honor to offer birth/labor, postpartum, antepartum, and bereavement doula services to the high and low desert areas of Southern California since 2017, although I’ve always felt I am a doula at heart . As a certified doula, it is my passion to provide non-judgmental support for all families regardless of age, race, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or culture.
I am also a trained infant care specialist with a background in early childhood education/development. In 1997, I started as a certified preschool teacher and have loved working with families and watching their children grow and learn. I myself have four adult children, 8 angel babies and four grandchildren. Life has shown me how important it is to be supported, especially from also being a four time cancer survivor.
I would like to share my qualifications and skills with you. I have personal and professional experience with medically fragile children. My experience includes children with a g-tube, care and replacement button, controlling blood sugar, and blood pressure knowledge of seizures after and during an episode. I also have knowledge and training in childhood depression, addiction and mental health in medically fragile children (classes and certificates from Loma Linda Medical Center/University.)
Since 1995 I’ve gained experience in caring for children ages 0-5, including preemies, multiples, and special needs. With caring for children I keep my first aid and CPR for children infants and adults always up to date.
I am currently taking classes to enhance my doula skills such as birth educator, breastfeeding educator and infant sleep specialist.
What I Believe
People of all cultural identification, family structure, income or citizenship deserve to have healthy and satisfying birth experiences.
The uniquely intimate and private nature of birth requires a diverse and culturally competent doula network so that all women can feel safe, secure, and comfortable throughout the birth process.
Partners Deserve Support Too
At Birth, First Doulas we know there’s no replacement for the love and intimacy that you share with your partner but even the most attentive partner may be overwhelmed by the birth process and environment. We provide partners with support, breaks, and suggestions allowing them to feel less pressured and more relaxed. Let Birth First hold the details so your partner can hold the love! I doula the whole family!
Additional Qualifications
- 22 units in early childhood education and development.
- Hundreds of personal growth credits from first 5 California.
- Active participation in Quality Start in San Bernardino county.
- Workshop training in postpartum mood disorders, that includes still birth, survivors of past trauma, and sexual abuse training.
- My passion for my profession, to learn, and patience to teach has helped me cultivate excellent communication skills, and develop a calm gentle demeanor.
Birth Doula Care
Before
During pregnancy my services include:
- Unlimited phone & email support throughout pregnancy.
- Two prenatal visits in the comfort of your home.
- Evidence based material and resources.
- A large lending library of books and videos to choose from.
- Meeting with your care provider if desired.
- Continuous birth support once in labor
- 24 hour on call availability 2 weeks prior to estimated due date up until birth.
- Guaranteed back up doula support.
- Military Discounts (for qualifying families.)
Birth
“Am I in labor?” Give me a call! I’ll answer questions, make suggestions and offer encouragement.
Once active labor has been determined I will meet you at your house or birth location and I will stay with you until shortly after babe is born.
I strive to maintain a calm and peaceful environment and provide reassurance and perspective, while working with your partner offering massage, counter pressure and various labor positions.
I doula your family, making sure you and your partner have been well cared for and needs have been met.
Once that’s achieved I step away, as the initial bonding time is a special time for your family.
After
Our postpartum get-together is short and sweet and usually around 1 to 2 weeks postpartum.
During this time you may want to talk about your birth story, have questions about baby care, breastfeeding and any other postpartum needs.
If you’ve ordered additional postpartum services such as belly binding and Placenta encapsulation I may incorporate that into our visit as well.
Also included are ongoing support and referral services as needed via phone/email for up to 6 weeks postpartum. Once settled into your new family rhythm, give me a call to schedule.