Debra Lord-Dagostino
Prenatal & Post Partum Doula
I am the mother of three girls born, 1989, 1994 and 1999.
My own personal birth experience includes both natural and Cesarean delivery. The breastfeeding experience with my first daughter was not as successful as it could have been because although my family was very supportive, they did not have the knowledge to guide my attempts. By the time I had my third daughter, I had gained enough insight and understanding from sharing knowledge with friends, family and independent study to breastfeed for 2 1/2 years!
Educating myself in regard to my own personal experiences as a birthing woman, breastfeeding mother and caretaker of friends and family members, has led me to where I am today as an advocate for Natural Birth and Breastfeeding.
Caretaking has always come natural to me. I was always more than happy to make myself available to help my mother care for my two younger brothers as well as provide childcare for friends and neighbors. I started baby sitting for pay as early as 11 years old ! Growing up with two younger siblings has made the natural maternal instinct within me grow stronger and stronger over time. The desire to care for other people and give them my utmost, undivided attention, is what led me to seek out information to further educate myself about the needs of pregnant and birthing women and their families.
I have been a post partum doula since the late 1990's and have attended births as a support person to family members as well. Over the past decade as a post partum doula, I have made it my primary goal to help in maintaining the well being of mother and baby. I open myself to you, Mother to Mother, in order to help you learn how best to care for your baby.
Experience working with women and their families - including families of twins and triplets - has allowed me the opportunity to learn various approaches to care and parenting. Having done so, allows me to guide you through discovering what best suits your own family's individual needs.
The day to day tasks of comforting and caring for your newborn, helping you breastfeed, supporting you in understanding the importance of proper rest and nutrition and insuring that you receive such, tidying up, prepping healthful meals according to various dietary philosophies (Vegan, Raw Food, Vegetarian, Whole Foods, etc.) are the focus of my work.
As a post partum doula, I give you my promise to be supportive, helpful and open, to ensure that our experience working together will be of great, lasting benefit to you, your baby and your family.