Your NYC Neighbor – is a way of introducing New Yorkers to a rich community of savvy parents and business owners. New York is a diverse City bustling with all kinds of families and personalities. We also love to grab tips and recommendations from moms and dads in certain neighborhoods and throughout the 5 Boroughs, and especially people who have created a product, service or site that helps new parents or appeals to children. Meet Jane Bradbury a Dona certified doula.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Jane Bradbury and I am a Dona certified doula. My life changed when I gave birth to my daughter, Remy, five years ago. I wanted to try for an un-medicated birth, so I hired a doula. She was amazing and I was able to have the birth experience I desired. Thinking that this would be the end of the story, little did I know that passing through the rite of motherhood, an unexpected gift awaited me on the other side.
And that gift was a complete and utter fascination with childbirth and motherhood. I felt that the medical staff took care of my physical needs, but who did I talk to about my fears of delivery, and my swollen, engorged boobs? Who did I turn to for comfort in the midst of my contractions and pain? My doula. I discovered that a doula was like a Sherpa, guiding me up the exhilarating yet unpredictable terrain of labor. And I wanted in. I wanted to be part of the childbirth team.
Why should expectant parents consider hiring a doula?
We are blessed with the best doctors and hospitals, nurses and midwives, but a doula does a different job entirely. She has the freedom to bring joy and wonder into the sometimes frightening and sterile hospital environment. And she reminds everyone of the magic that is taking place. A joy that will transport them into a different stratosphere is literally within their grasp. She massages your back on the onset of each contraction. She makes you laugh when you need to be distracted. She encourages you when you’re disheartened.
Where do you live?
I live in TriBeCa, so I can’t get far without chatting with expecting moms, new moms, veteran moms in the line at Wholefoods, or with arms outstretched at the bottom of a slide. Wisdom and community are everywhere in this city. It is a phenomenal place to raise children. You never need be alone and are never lonely. You simply walk out with your child and conversation flows. There is always a park, always an art center, always a community center footsteps away.
Parenthood looks different in the city, too. All the full strollers stuffed with groceries underneath, alongside the swimming gear, soccer ball and scooter and helmet, just in case. And riding on board are one or two or even three kids, alive with excitement and possibility in their eyes… Their city awaits!
What is a doula?
“The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breast-feed more easily.” Dona International.
To schedule an appointment with Jane please call the following number:
917 208 7644
Jane Bradbury
A Dona Certified Doula