A little bit about me...
Hi! My name is Tara Curtis. I am a DONA certified Birth Doula. I am married to the most magnificent man in the world and we have 3 beautiful children, ages 7,5 and 3. All of my children were born in a hospital with an obstetrician. As much as I loved my OB, I found myself feeling like I should have had a better birth experience after each birth. I remember being overwhelmed by the medical staff and encouraged to accept medications to dull the pain of childbirth. I was admittedly very scared of the pain and the complexity of childbirth. And to that end, I feel as though something was missing from those experiences.
I have been assisting women in labor and delivery for over 10 years. I have always found birth to be an exciting time and I am constantly honored to be witness to the beginning of a new life.
My Philosophy
I believe that birth is a natural and normal process for a woman's body. We were created to bring our children into this world. With that process comes the responsibility to be informed, empowered and prepared to give birth. A woman who is wise and knowledgable about the birthing process will be able to trust her body, her baby, and her care giver. She will have the ability to make her wishes known because she understands what is normal for her birth. In addition, she will have the wisdom to know when unexpected situations have occured and that her care giver's decisions are in the best interest of her baby and herself.
I believe that everyone invisions a perfect birth. I am not opposed to medications used during labor and delivery. I know that birth will occur one way or another, and I am trained to help in all situations.
I believe that barring any high-risk situations, birth is not a medical event. The pregnant woman is not sick and does not need to be managed as such. I feel that a woman and her baby will proceed through the labor process naturally.
I believe that when medical interventions are kept to a minimum, the baby will benefit greatly. I believe giving your baby a gentle beginning is one of your first acts of unconditional love. A woman should trust that her baby will enter the world in the way he/she needs to. I believe that in an uncomplicated birth, that the only immediate thing that a baby needs is his or her mother. Hers is the voice that has been comforting, hers is the heart that has drummed steadily through creation, hers will be the breast that nourish.
I believe that regardless of the times you have birthed, the act of birthing each baby holds it's own fears and unknowns. When you are expecting I believe it is especially important to have someone along side who can help gather information, educate, offer a hug, assist you during labor and birth, and come along-side in the days or weeks that follow the birth.
It is my hope that more women choose Doulas for their labor days. For these really are The Best Days of Your Life.