Mama Bird
Childbirth Services & Photography
"...Supporting Mothers...from belly to nest"
"Birth is not only about making babies.
Birth is about making mothers ~
Strong, competent, capable mothers
who trust themselves and know
their inner strength."
- Barbara Katz Rothman
*Birth Doula Services *Childbirth Education *Lactation Education * Birth Photography
Serving NWA (including Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, SW Missouri)
My name is Sarah Allred and I am a mother...a mama bird. I have three little ones in my nest and consider myself blessed to touch even part of their lives. Through my own journey into motherhood, I have completely fallen in love with the beauty of pregnancy and childbirth...the miracle of it all!
I believe every woman holds within herself inherent strength and the ability to trust her mind and body in the birthing process. As a birth doula, I consider it a blessing to help women tap into that strength as they journey towards that first embrace.
I believe every woman should be able to come away from her birth experience feeling great about herself and the birth. I believe that education is key in equipping women and their partners with the confidence to make informed decisions that are healthiest for mother and their baby.
I understand the deeply personal nature of birth and value my client's power of choice. As a doula, I consider it my responsibilty to honor and respect the birth wishes of the clients I am blessed to work with.
It is my joy to assist women and their partners as they make the miraculous transition....from belly....to nest.
Member CAPPA, DONA, ICEA,
Birth Network of Northwest Arkansas
References Available
I offer a free consultation to prospective clients in which I answer any questions you may have and discuss my services and pricing.
This is a great opportunity for you to get to know me better and find out if I am a good fit for you.
This consultation is FREE and you are under No Obligation to sign a contract for services.
Labor Doula-
My services include:
post delivery
Private Childbirth Classes-
Whether first time parents needing a complete childbirth series, or seasoned parents who would just like a brief refresher course - I am available to meet your specific need through private instruction. Enroll in a 6-week series or choose customized instruction based on your needs, which is offered ala carte.
Children's and Family Photography-
Photography/Videography services to help you capture your moments together as a family. Inquire for detailed list of services.
Birth Photography and Videography-
Packages are available for purchase in which your labor and birth will be documented through pictures and/or video, to your comfort level, using my equipment.
Services for purchase include:
a copy of your birth story
Private Breastfeeding 101 -
Learn the basics of breastfeeding in this informative, relaxed, private session. All of the basics will be covered - from the importance of breastfeeding, how the breasts work, latch, positioning, trouble shooting and more!
This class is offered to both Expecting and New Parents.
I believe there is nothing as incredible as witnessing a child being born...
and there is nothing more beautiful than seeing a mother's face
the first time she looks into her child's eyes.
Through the years, my passion for childbirth has naturally evolved into a
love for photography and videography.
They forever capture the cherished moments of life....not only the images,
but the emotions that were present in those moments.
Please feel free to view my photo gallery below.
One of the most common concerns a father has about hiring a Doula is the fear of being replaced during the
labor process. My husband had similar fears when we hired a Doula for the birth of our first child. He was pleasantly
surprised to find this was not the case at all.
"Doulas know that the laboring mom needs the love and support of her partner. No one can care for her the way her partner can, and a doula's role is to enhance the relationship between mom and dad, so dad is an effective part of the birth team. In some cases, dad is not certain of how active a role he wants to take during labor and birth. Some dads want to do everything possible, including cutting the umbilical cord and even catching the baby. Alternatively, there are some dads who would prefer to stay by moms head and simply hold her hand. In either scenario, a doula can be a tremendous help to the laboring couple by physically supporting mom and reassuring dad. There are several stages and phases in the process of giving birth and each one has emotional and physical characteristics that may be alarming to the partner. Doulas are trained to recognize these signs and help the partner understand what's happening and why." (Dads and Doulas, Julie Guarino)
With each birth I attend, it is my goal for the laboring woman to be able to look at her partner and
honestly say ,"I couldn't have done it without you." I find it equally important to provide Papa Birds with resources that help them make a smooth transition into fatherhood.
Following are several forums for you to explore that will enrich YOUR transition from belly to nest.
Dads Adventure
Fathers Forum
New Dad
Fathers.com
Dads and Doulas
Greatdad.com
Postpartum Dads
INTERNET RESOURCE LINKS
La Leche League
Dr. Jack Newman Breastfeeding
International Cesarean Awareness Network
Am I ready for an Induction?
Birth Network NWA
Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
Childbirth Connection
Kellymom Breastfeeding and Parenting
CAPPA
ICEA
DONA
RECOMMENDED READING
The Complete Book of Pregnancy & Childbirth
by Sheila Kitzinger
The Birth Partner
by Penny Simkin
Mothering the Mother
by Marshall H. Klaus
Birthing From Within
by Pam England & Rob Horowitz
Gentle Birth Choices
by Barbara Harper
The VBAC Companion
by Diana Korte
The Nursing Mother's Companion
by Kathleen Huggins
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers
by Jack Newman & Teresa Pitman
The Baby Book
by William Sears, Martha Sears, Robert Sears
Dear New Mothers and Moms-To-Be,
Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbirth. It is estimated that 15-20% of new moms (approximately 1 million women in the US each year) suffer from some form of postpartum depression & anxiety. If you are counted among them, please know that you are not alone.
Many mothers who have suffered from perinatal mood disorders have felt that there is a "conspiracy of silence" - that somehow they will be a "bad person" or an "unfit mother" if they give voice to what they are experiencing. This is simply not true. You did not cause this and it is not your fault.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can occur during pregnancy, as well as anytime within 12 months of delivering your baby. Baby blues, a normal adjustment period after birth, normally lasts 2-3 weeks postpartum. If these feelings persist, you may be suffering from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. There is help.
What you are experiencing is temporary and treatable. Help and support is available and waiting for you.
For more information click here.
Additional Resources:
Visit Postpartum Progress at http://postpartumprogress.typepad.com/
For immediate assistance call NWA Crisis Intervention Center 888-274-7472
Postpartum Support
International
Click here for Online
PPD Support Group
Contact me to schedule your free consultation
Sarah Allred
Home (479) 271-2118
Cell (479) 879-5935
email: themamabird_cox.net
