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Supporting Families Through Pregnancy, Birth, & Beyond
Each pregnancy and birth is the beginning of a journey for a family. Sprouting Families strives to educate families as they make choices for their birth experience and to provide support as they progress through birth into their postpartum journey.
About Me
Emily Green-Hamilton
I am a Birth Arts International trained Birth Doula & Child Birth Educator in the South Jersey /Philadelphia area. My passion is empowering women as they embark on their journey into parenthood, by providing women and other family members with their choices in childbirth and providing support to help achieve their desired birth experience. Find out more about me and the story behind Sprouting Families on the About page...
My Services
Each family is unique and deserving of compassionate & empowering services tailored to meet their individual needs. To schedule an initial consultation, or to learn more about the services I offer, please contact me.
William Macneile Dixon
“Birth is the sudden opening of a window, through which you look out upon a stupendous prospect. For what has happened? A miracle. You have exchanged nothing for the possibility of everything.”
Frequently Asked Questions
All The Answers
What is a Doula?
A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a during labor. A doula’s purpose is to help women have a memorable, and empowering birthing experience.
What are the benefits of having a Doula?
In 2012, Hodnett et al. published an updated Cochrane review on the use of continuous support for women during childbirth.
The review determined when continuous labor support was provided by a doula, women experienced a:
31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
28% decrease in the risk of C-section*
12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
So what does this mean?
The research indicates having a doula present during labor & birth, statistically improves your chances of a better birth outcome.
If I am planning on having an epidural or a scheduled C-Section can I still use a doula?
Absolutely! Doulas are trained to support ALL types of births! We can discuss specific questions about epidurals and how a Doula can support during C-Sections during a consultation.
The hospital where I am giving birth offers a birth class. Why should I take a private birth education class?
Hospital sponsored birth courses typically teach mothers about hospital protocols and how to be a good patient. They may not educate you on all of your birthing options, breastfeeding, or newborn care. Birthing classes through Sprouting Families provide parents with more holistic preparation for birth; providing you with objective, evidenced based information regarding birth practices & choices in child birth as well as addressing the emotional aspect of birth & postpartum period. Birth classes are tailored to the individual to help you feel prepared and empowered during YOUR birth experience.
