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Hi! I'm Betsy Gillespie. I am a mom of 6, ages 18 down to 4. I have been interested in birth work since high school, and am fulfilling my dream of serving mothers during the precious time of motherhood. I have given birth both at home and in a hospital and I believe women should be free to give birth in the location where they feel the most safe. I am certified as a childbirth educator and a birth and postpartum doula through the Madriella Doula Network. I became fascinated with birth during my first pregnancy when a trip to the library introduced me to Sheila Kitzinger, a cultural anthropologist who studied birth around the world. The idea that "American birth" is not the only way opened up a whole new world to me. Since then, I have desired to see women be better informed of their options surrounding birth. What better way to help along this dream than to serve such women as a doula and childbirth educator! I also am very interested in biomechanics - the idea that the way we use our bodies can affect our long term health. So all of my services include a "movement" component, where we cover ideas of alignment, body geometry, and stretches that specifically address issues mothers face during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
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Birth Doula Service - includes 2 prenatal home visits, on-call support, continuous labor support, 1 postpartum visit.
Postpartum Services - $50 per hour for the 1st 2 hours, $35 per hour after that - minimum 2 hours per visit
What My Classes Cover Pregnancy - Childbirth - Newborn Care - Postpartum Care - Breastfeeding - Body Mechanics - Birth in Different Cultures Class 1: Pregnancy - movement, pelvic floor exercises Class 2: Early labor - inducing labor, when to call the midwife or head to the hospital Class 3: Active Labor - comfort measures, relaxation techniques Class 4: Transition & Birth - preventing tears, birth of the placenta Class 5: Newborn Care - diapering, dressing, baby wearing, baby sleep Class 6: Breastfeeding - getting a good latch, how to know if baby's getting enough, preventing nipple soreness Class 7: Postpartum - how to get rest, how to care for yourself! Rates $400 for a 7 week class for mom and partner $25 discount for referring a friend! Discounts offered for single moms or those needing financial assistance - just ask! I want everyone to have the ability to take this class! See my website for upcoming dates!
As your birth doula, I will visit your home twice, becoming familiar with your vision for birth, providing education in birth options, answering questions, as well as giving guidance in exercises to help relieve common pregnancy discomfort. I can help to form a birth plan, whether you are seeking a natural birth or you plan to utilize medical help to get through birth. I am on call from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after your due date. Generally, I will arrive once active labor has started, and I will give undivided attention for the entire labor, providing expertise in comfort measures for labor, in newborn care and in breastfeeding support. I have experience with both home and hospital births, including induced labor. To wrap it all up, I will come to your home after the birth, to see that you are settling in well, talk over the birth, and help out around the house as needed. Postpartum doula care is provided on an hourly basis. I will come to your home and provide help in the following areas: breastfeeding support, newborn care, light house cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, pet care, and general support for the family as they adjust to life with the new little one.
Betsy has been a wonderful support to me during the preparation, birth process, and postpartum recovery. She went above and beyond to care for me when I had food poisoning a few days before I gave birth. I was so thankful for her calming and comforting presence during my birth. Without her support, I don’t think I would have been able to do a natural birth. She has cared for me so well and I’m so grateful to have her support during this special time.
— Sarah H.
My husband and I attended Betsy’s prenatal class when we were expecting our first baby. The knowledge and insight we gained was extremely helpful in preparing us for birth and caring for our newborn. Betsy is a great teacher. She is kind and encouraging. She made us feel confident as we planned for birth.
— Katie K.
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Betsy is based in Prescott, Arizona.
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