Practice overview
I gave birth to my first child with my dear friend and doula beside me and husband next to me. My child was born in South Korea and was transferred to NICU. My doula did not leave my side until my husband returned to me. From that moment on, I wanted to support women through the ups and downs of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I attended my first birth as a friend in 2018 to a Vietnamese woman living in Korea. I didn't plan on the profession but it definitely found me. That first birth sparked a fire in my heart that continues to grow. My first three years I supported students, expats and immigrants in South Korea. I served women no matter their background. I desire for all women of any background to receive continuous labor support and at-home postpartum care. I returned to the US in 2020, moved to Dallas and, now, continue to support women with a new passion. I am a certified birth doula with Childbirth International. I am also a big supporter of lactation. I feel that initial breastfeeding shortly after birth and the following couple weeks is a crucial part of my support. I have breastfeed my two children 2 years each and love to help mother's reach their personal breastfeeding goals. I find that most people are not familiar with childbirth, but with the help of doula, mothers and partners feel comfortable and confident after meeting to prepare for their own childbirth. Continuous labor support helps a mother feel calm and at peace knowing that at least one person will not change shifts, but stay by her side continuously. This means from on the phone during early labor, to meeting at the home also during labor, to transitioning to the location of the birth, laboring in active labor, and two hours after birth. I also return to visit in-home after birth for breastfeeding and practical support. With a doula, there is increased oxytocin, increased mobility, increased self-esteem, and a decrease in pain and anxiety. Labor support can be many things. It can be PHYSICAL: massage, assisting with water therapy, assisting with eating and drinking, or suggesting a change of positions; EMOTIONAL: encouragement, affirming the mother, or debriefing the birth; PRACTICAL: showing the partner how to support the mother, creating a calming environment, lower the lights, turning on music, helping the parents with whatever they need; INFORMATIONAL: helping find evidenced-based information, suggesting techniques; SUPPORTING the PARTNER: practically reminding him to eat, drink and sleep, or practically showing him how to support the mother; ADVOCACY: encouraging parents to ask questions in prenatal, birth and postpartum, supporting their decisions, amplifying their voices, and asking the mother what she wants. I LOVE supporting the whole family, but the primary vehicle is the mother. I take calls, texts, and emails during my awake hours from the time you sign on as client until 6 weeks postpartum. And available at all times from 38 weeks until the birth. I go the extra mile to make sure mothers are emotionally healthy and supported as well as all the education and practical support.
Laura
August 26, 2021 at 11:21 am | Client review“Maren is a wonderful doula, and I would highly recommend her services to anyone looking for care, support, knowledge, and kindness throughout the birth process.
I’ve worked with Maren through two pregnancies: the first, informally as a friend, and the second, in a more formal doula relationship. Even though we had to interact virtually the second time around due to strict COVID protocols, Maren’s help and guidance through the pregnancy was absolutely invaluable.
Maren spent significant time before our birth making sure we were empowered in our choices and knowledgeable about the process. She checked in frequently, and I knew that I could always count on her to answer my questions or just provide a listening ear. She spent time getting to know our concerns and fears as well as our birth goals. When it came time for the actual birth, she was attentive and with us 100% of the way. Postpartum, she provided support and guidance through both challenges and new baby joys.
If you are considering using Maren’s services, do it! You won’t regret it, and I know you’ll benefit from her generosity of knowledge and spirit as much as we did.
Thank you, Maren, for being a huge part of our pregnancy journeys!”
Maren
December 16, 2021 at 1:31 amI’m so proud of you! You rocked your birth! Thank you for the privilege to be apart of your precious birth! Love you guys!