Essence Universal: Essencence Universal Your 1 Stop for Specialty Baby Items!!!

Giving birth is one of life's most amazing and intense experiences.
Since ancient times, women have sought out encouragement and support from experienced and caring women called Reulas (a.k.a. Doulas). In modern days, labors attended by Reulas have been bound to be shorter, with fewer complications and requiring fewer medical interventions. The result is a happier, healthier mother and baby. A Reula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides you with continuous emotional, physical and informational support before, during and after the birth of your child.

Benefits of having a Reula in attendance

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

* Information was obtained from, Mothering the Mother, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).

Initial Interview

I highly recommend interviewing a few Reulas, as the connection is of utmost significance. The initial interview is complementary and obligation free! Let's get together for a short chat to see how we feel in each other's company. It is important that you feel comfortable in my presence.

Birth Services Provided

Provide one prenatal visit and two postpartum visits.
Provide birth plan information and consultation.
Provide relevant resources and referrals upon request
Be on call beginning 10 days prior to your due date and ending with the birth of the baby, meaning that your Reula can be reached by phone 24 hours a day, and will be available to you on about one hour's notice.
Provide early labor support in your home, hospital or birthing center. I prefer to join you at your home as soon as you feel the need for my support. It is recommended that the mother remain at home as long as she feels comfortable, as many women progress more comfortably and faster at home.
Utilize non-medical support techniques for labor and birth.
Provide emotional support for partner, if applicable.
Continue to provide support one to two hours postpartum until family is ready for quiet time together.
Answer questions and make suggestions over the phone at any time.
Assist in providing information and supplying emotional support on postpartum care, breastfeeding, and newborn care after the birth.

Postpartum visits

The Reula will visit the client on the day following the birth and once more within the next two weeks. For additional visits, postpartum service packages are also available

In many cultures around the world, postpartum care is taken very seriously.
Much attention and care is given to the mother, allowing her to give her attention to her baby sometimes for six weeks or longer. Mothers are expected to remain in the bed or in the home while her keeper is at her service providing meals, childcare, chores, errands, breast-feeding and newborn support. In some traditional cultures where the extended family is still a part of the family structure, it remains a custom for the mother's helper to be a female family member usually the new grandmother, an aunt or sister. While she is there to offer the new mother assistance, she also creates an atmosphere of emotional support and reassurance as this seeming joyful experience can also become overwhelming at times.

Postpartum Services Provided

Healthy snacks as well as beverages to establish and maintain excellent milk supply for the nursing mother.
Breastfeeding guidance and support.
Herbal sitz baths which are not only healing but relaxing as well.
Allow you to take time and rest. Your Reula is there to keep a watchful eye on the baby. I do not take over the care of the baby, but assist you in learning to care for your baby's needs.
Your Reula's presence can help keep those household wheels turning. Basic home care is provided in the capacity of light meal preparation, baby’s laundry, tidying-up your space (dishes, sweeping/vacuuming), grocery shopping and small errands. Household care and errands will not be made after 6 PM or before 7 AM.
I am also well versed in the art of organization. This may be appreciated by work-from-home parents, keepers of chaotic closets and cabinets…

Your Reula will be available for up to 12 hours a day (with a 3-hour minimum during the day and a 7-hour minimum at night). Your Reula needs at least 48 hours notice before the first day of service. The fee is $15/hour for day service and $20/hour for night service.

Child Birth Education Class-- Information Coming Soon!

Sometimes we need a listening ear or an affirmation, to let us know that we are not alone in this world. This is why I added this page as a support tool. Feel free to ask questions, express concerns in realtion to pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenthood. You are also welcome to post your thoughts on the Community Board.