Hello, my name is Nancy Connelly.  I am a certified birth doula with DONA International (www.DONA.org).  I have been certified with DONA since 2000, and have attended over 635 births.  I work primarily in Pasadena, Arcadia, and Glendale, although I am available to work anywhere between Los Angeles and Whittier.  I am also a Certified Lactation Educator.  

What is a doula?
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the parents-to-be, before, during and after childbirth.  A doula does not replace the medical staff.  Doulas attend non-medical needs during the birth process.

Did you know...
Studies have shown that a doula's presence at birth:
tend to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience
reduces the need for labor inducing drugs
reduces the requests for pain medication 
reduces the incidence of cesareans

What do I "do" at a birth?
I will stay with you and your partner throughout your labor and birth, providing continuous physical and emotional support.  I will use different tools during labor, including massage, hip squeezes/low back counter pressure, suggestions for position changes, heat/cold packs, visualization, verbal encouragement, help with breathing, and using a birth ball.  I will help facilitate communication between you and the medical staff.  I will provide an objective viewpoint and remind you of your birth goals.  I also provide immediate assistance with breastfeeding.