Indy Doula Associates reaching out in founder’s new hometown

0
Patti Crawford works with a client in labor. (submitted photo)
Patti Crawford works with a client in labor.
(submitted photo)

By Michelle Williams

Doula is an ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.” Today, a doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous support to mothers before, during and after birth. Zionsville recently gained a well-known doula named Patti Crawford, founder of Indy Doula Associates, when she moved into the community last month.

Crawford has been a practicing doula for five years and is certified through DONA International — a widely-recognized certification organization. She previously ran an individual practice, and she also worked in the doula program at Community North Hospital for two years. In November, she opened Indy Doula Associates consisting of four DONA-certified doulas.

“The reason I did the agency is because as a private doula, you need backup, especially when you’re busy.” she said.

She wanted the peace of mind that comes with developing a close professional relationship with the doulas she recommends in her absence.

“I wanted to know a doula’s credentials, how she operates, how she is with a mom in labor,” she said.

Crawford hand-selected her agency’s associates. IDA members typically meet clients at the clients’ homes, and provide an initial consultation at no cost.

“I’ve done over 450 births, so I’ve worked with a lot of care providers, and I’ve gotten to know a lot of them.” said Crawford, who routinely guides clients to care practitioners such as obstetricians and midwives. Common reasons that clients may seek a new care practitioner are after a move to town from another city or state or following an undesirable experience with a previous provider.

For more information, visit www.indydoulaassociates.com/.

NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH

Indy Doula Associates will celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with the Outdoor Latch & Wear and Lactation Cookie Bake-off. The event will include information on breastfeeding while wearing a baby in a sling or wrap, a Q&A with a lactation specialist and a cookie bake-off. The event will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Lion’s Park in Zionsville. For more information or to register for the bake-off, contact Abi Miles at [email protected].

Share.