Area parents benefit from help of doulas, midwives

Emily Newman Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — As the number of Caesarian sections in the United States continue to rise, many women are turning to the help of doulas and midwives to carry out a natural birth. “You leave feeling like you can move mountains,” said doula Melissa Lafferty of natural birth. A natural birth can take place anywhere, be it birthing center, hospital or the patient’s home. Midwives and doulas assist in all places and even people who are untrained can be of help to the expectant mother. Christina and Cailen Brown, Freda and Nathan Williams, and Nicole Mattis and Skott Brill are all parents from the area who have benefited from the services of a doula and have experienced a natural birth. “It should be about what you (the mother) want. It was an amazing experience,” said Christina. Christina is the... [read full story]