First, congratulations on your pregnancy!  May the process be healthy, joyful, and full of new self-discovery!

My involvement with birth began with the traumatic birth of my first child in 1976.  Even though it certainly wasn’t what I’d dreamed about, on a deep level, I still believed in the goodness of the design of birth.  In 1979, I gave birth to my second child, who weighed 11lb., 8oz., with virtually no intervention.  Then in 1989, my third was born at home with a midwife in attendance. 

Looking back on my own life experience, my passion for this work is renewed; for I have no doubt that had a doula or midwife been with me at my first birth, things would have been dramatically different.  Looking around, there’s much work to be done in our time and culture to restore the beauty and empowerment of birth to today’s women.  Looking forward, my mission is to be part of that work. 

Supporting women in childbirth as a DONA certified doula is a big part of what I have done to pursue that mission.  I am also twice certified in childbirth education:  first through Apple Tree Family Ministries (childbirth education that recognizes the spiritual dimension of pregnancy and birth with a definitively Biblical worldview), and also as a HypnoBirthing Practitioner (teaching the skill of profound relaxation for comfort in birth – appropriate and desirable for all, regardless of belief system).  Other experience includes two years as assistant to a homebirth midwife.

Because I am presently pursuing my degree in Maternal/Child Health:  Lactation Consulting, I am taking no more birth clients until fall 2006. 

For HypnoBirthing classes or postpartum doula services, simply call me at (916) 524-1080 to schedule our first interview at no cost and no obligation. 

May all your choices lead you to a wonderful birth, and may all your memories be treasures.

Blessings – Anita Butler