Mary-Keith Piasecki the Doula
Frequently Asked Questions
Answering all Your Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that I tend to receive. If you still have something you’d like to know, feel free to contact me for more details and I will do my best to help you get all the information you need.
WHAT IS A DOULA?
Birth can be daunting. Especially when you‘ve had a bad experience giving birth. Or no experience giving birth. Many times moms and partners have a lot of questions about pregnancy and birth and their provider doesn’t always have the time to answer them. Doulas want you to have the pregnancy and birth YOU desire they help you achieve this by providing support in pregnancy, advocacy, and emotional support in labor.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A NATURAL BIRTH?
From c-section to water birth and everything in between Doulas are there for you. To remind you to breathe. To talk you through what you might expect during labor. To answer questions or guide you to experts to answer your questions about pregnancy. To listen to your fears. To remind you that you were made for this. Giving can be challenging and we are here to walk you through it.
WHAT ABOUT MY PARTNER?
Doulas can help dads navigate the emotions of labor. They are not a replacement for dad, we want to help you, too! I love working with dads as part of the birth team!
WHY DO I NEED A DOULA?
Here is what the numbers say - 25% shorter labor - 60% reduction in epidural requests - 40% reduction in forceps delivery - 50% reduction in the cesarean rate - Reduced incidence of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders ("Mothering the Mother" by Marshall H. Kalau, M.D.; John H. Kennel, M.D.; and Phyllis H. Klaus, M.Ed., C.S.W.)
WHERE DO YOU SERVE?
I drive up to 1.5 hours away from Grand Blanc, MI. I serve home or hospital births. I have helped families in Flint, Grand Blanc, Troy, Royal Oak, Port Huron, Southfield, Lansing, and Holly. The list continues to grow and I love being able to serve each and every family along their journey.
WHAT CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAININGS DO YOU HAVE?
I am certified through Stillbirthday.I am birth Doula and a Bervreament Doula. This means I serve families experiencing birth, during bereavement, facing an event where birth and bereavement may meet. I am I have a certificate in Bundle Birth's Birth Worker Training and also trained in Spinning Babies to help recognize where the baby is and how to help labor move along. I am trained in NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation) and assist midwives in homebirths. While a doula DOES NOT do any clinical tasks I am prepared in the event precipitous labor occurs.
WHY I AM A DOULA
I have two young kids. Each of them had a very different birth story. My first I was supported and my second I was VERY supported. Each of my pregnancies had difficulties and scary situations along the way. After having my daughter I knew I wanted to help women like women helped me. After I got the birth of my dreams with my son I knew this was what I needed to do. I am here because I know without a doubt that being supported and encouraged can make it or break it for you. Whether you don't have anyone walking beside you or I am just part of your village I am passionate about making sure you know you are not alone.
DOULA SERVICES
-Support during your pregnancy to help provide encouragement or resources and help you make informed decisions.
-1 In Person Prenatal meetings
-Birth Support (up to 18 hours)
-1 additional in-person prenatal OR postpartum visit
$1,200
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I require $500 to hold your spot on my calendar
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The Process
What Does it look like working with Me?
PRENATAL MEETINGS: We have 1-2 Prenatal meetings to discuss what you're looking for in a birth experience. We discuss any fears and concerns and how I can best serve you. We will go over birth preferences and possible interventions
DURING PREGNANCY: I am available by phone and text during your pregnancy to offer support, a pep talk or answer any questions. I am in your corner the whole time!
YOUR LABOR: When labor starts and you think you're going to need support, I will be there. I offer emotional, mental, and physical support while advocating for your birth preferences we discussed in our prenatal meeting.
Having Mary on my side during the birth was the most beneficial aspect of having a doula for me. She believed in me, and I needed that. She coached me in a very gentle way that reassured me I could do it.
Shannon S.