Elderkin is a name dating back to medieval England. It means "little elder". This is a perfect description of the step into parenthood. As women of child-bearing age may feel, we are a bit too young for the title of elder. We can wait a little longer to be called that. And yet, with parenting comes an innate maturing and separation from our younger, and more independent selves. The childbearing year includes the magical birth of a baby, as well as the birth of adults (and sometimes younger people) into parents. In this transition, I welcome all forms of families; moms and dads, single moms, moms and moms, dads and dads, surrogates, adoptions, and more. Personally, my transition to parenthood has been as a step-parent. All families are welcome at
Elderkin Midwifery and Birth Services.
My Philosophy:
As a midwife and doula I see one experience that crosses all cultural boundaries in the childbearing year, and that's surrender. Sometimes there's surrender in the process of achieving pregnancy, there's surrender in the pregnancy, always in the birth and definitely in the 4th trimester. Surrender looks many different ways, and is usually humbling. Beyond physical care, I see my job is to ease the process and transition in surrender.
Photo by Heather McAuley
"I feel so blessed that I was able to actually have the birth experience I was hoping for. With the comfort of knowing that you were there to provide me with knowledge and guidance, I was able to find both my own calm and strength carry me through the birth. While my husband was extremely helpful, your expertise enabled us to feel comfortable remaining in the comfort of our home when concerns may have otherwise driven us to the hospital. ...When we finally went to the hospital, I felt at ease knowing that you were there to ensure that no unnecessary interventions were done. My birth experience was truly amazing and I continue to feel empowered from that event to this day."
Marissa, mother of Noah
Studies show that the presence of a doula reduces interventions:
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
"AManda's presence during the weeks postpartum was so reassuring. I felt totally confident that my daughter would be well cared for, and appreciated Amanda advocating for me to rest and be nourished. AManda always found something helpful to do, without me having to ask. Her experience and knowledge were apparent." Rachel, mother of Toby
My Newborn Care Class is included in all of my birth packages, midwifery or birth doula/monitrice. In this class I share information I have gathered through my years caring for 0-3 month old newborns. My knowledge includes the health and safety of the baby and family, as well as environmental impacts.
Topics include:
Essential tools and stuff: What do you really need, and what do you really not need.
Sleep: How, when and where?
Diapers: What are my options? How do you clean cloth diapers? Are there any disposables that are less bad?
Crying: What does it mean and what can I do about it?
Feedings: Breastfeeding basics, when to introduce bottles and what type of bottles to buy, as well as feeding alternatives.
Classes are organized on an as needed basis and are available in the privacy of your home or in a group setting. If you are interested in the class, please let me know and we will get one on the calendar.
"I immediately felt comfortable with AM at my prenatal appointments. Her many years of experience with birth and babies is apparent in her warm, professional demeanor and her skillful hands on care. She is very knowledgeable and was always available to patiently answer my many questions. I will never forget the compassion she brought to my labor process. When I needed it most she sat with me for hours and gently and firmly guided me through my contractions with such wisdom and presence. AM is a natural when it comes to birth and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a midwife or doula." Alyx, mother of Nico
Phone: 707.827.3085
Elderkin Midwifery & Birth Services
Serving the Greater North Bay and Beyond
Elderkin Midwifery
& Birth Services
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Photo by: Heather McAuley
