Text Box: naMAMAste: honoring the place in women where all creation exists. Mission Statement: To help women and families achieve a positive birth experience through education, support and action. Goal: Working with and supporting individuals and families by developing fitness plans and birth plans in order to ensure a positive birth experience. The key is educating expectant parents about childbirth options, prenatal care and postpartum care. Empowerment and knowledge are the key to living without fear, and the key to a positive birth experience. Services: Prenatal Fitness to help mothers build endurance for labor and delivery. Prenatal Yoga to help mothers connect with their developing babies with a focus on breathing and easing of pains. Childbirth Education to inform parents of options during pregnancy and delivery, and Doula Services—both Labor Assistance and Aftercare to help new mommies acclimate to motherhood. Benefits of Prenatal Exercise/ Yoga: Consistent exercise and yoga has been shown to balance mood, boost energy relieve discomfort, reduce stress, prepare for labor, aid in sleep and relaxation. Benefits of having a Labor Assistant / Doula: · Fewer requests for epidurals (60%), narcotics (30%) · Reduced use of pitocin · Reduced duration of labor (25%) · Reduced cesarean section rates (50%) · Reduction in neonate hospitalization and rate of complications · Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection · Reduced maternal bleeding following birth · Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth · Mothers report more positive reviews of their birth experience · Reduced levels of anxiety · Mothers have higher regard and increased sensitivity towards babies · Mothers feel more secure and have more confidence · Reduced incidence of post-partum depression There are many documented, scientific studies that have proven the effectiveness of birth support during labor and delivery. Studies regarding doulas have been published in JAMA, and other medical journals. Articles regarding doulas have been published in many popular magazines and newspapers as celebrities and others find caring, comfort and support with labor assistance. Please view the naMAMAste website and decide for yourself if a doula is the right choice for you. Inform yourself about the benefits of natural childbirth and how a doula can help you. Empowerment and knowledge are the key—educate yourself and speak up! Looking for a doula? Call 630-420-7710 Email: namamaste@gmail.com Emily Canibano, BA, CPT, E-RYT, ALACE Trained working towards certification Visit our message board to connect with douals, clients & other soon to be parents.