About Candace Barber

Thanks for visiting my web page!  A little about me:  I've been married to a wonderful man for the last 21 years and have five precious blessings called children.  Their ages range from 13 to 25 - and yes, life is never a dull moment. :) Although I began formally working as a doula about two years ago, I was often asked to give support in the role of a "doula" at several births for family and friends over the span of the last twenty-two years. Before becoming a certified doula, I thought I might someday become a mid-wife. Yet when attending my friends and family during childbirth I began to see my true desire was simply to bring comfort and assurance to the new mother as much as I could. Each birth I attended helped create a treasured labor and delivery experience and avoid the trauma so many women are afraid of. Later, I discovered that studies show women who have a doula (or continuous labor support) have a greatly reduced C-section rates, less need for an epidural (big difference between needing one, and wanting one - please note - it's always the mother's choice), and report having a much more satisfactory experience during labor and delivery. Almost without fail, this is the first comment I receive from the happy new mother as she holds her newborn, "I couldn't have done it without you!" 

Adding to my qualifications, I recently finished the Childbirth Educator Training at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA as of October 2010. I plan to be a certified instructor by the spring of 2011. 

Most people want to know what a doula does. Each doula develops her own style with her clients but I like to employ various techniques to assist the mother during labor. These are; massage (incorporating key pressure points), aromatherapy, breathing techniques, patterns of movement, music therapy (classical, jazz, and spa-type CD's...or even Stevie Wonder, believe it or not!), as well as training the mother to use self-hypnosis techniques. All methods are explored to encourage and empower the mother to have the labor and delivery she desires.

If a husband/partner is present, I like to involve the partner in the process as much as is to their comfort level. I believe Dads and doulas are a dynamic duo! If the partner lacks confidence or information, don't worry...on-the-job training is my specialty. Other than that, most questions are answered during the pre-natal visits which are included with my services.  I try to prepare all parties by demonstrating techniques and sharing information, giving the laboring couple options before, during, and after the baby's arrival for numerous situations that may occur during this time.

This is one of those areas under construction.

My Doula partner and primary back-up, is Katie Bachand. Katie and I have known each other for over twenty years. We each have five children and a strong desire to see women return to seeing natural delivery as nothing to be feared, rather, expected and enjoyed. (Sounds crazy at first, right?) She is a board member of PALS Doulas - the organization we are also both certified through. She is also certified through DONA International. Just as I also offer photography services, Katie is a fantastic Henna artist and specializes in placenta-art prints. (You'll have to check out her website--seeing is believing!) Her website is: www.katiebachand.com.

Together or individually, Katie and I offer breast-feeding information during the pre-natal visits as well as help with feeding the baby after the birth (positioning is key) in order to complete what we feel is a comprehensive "package" for our clients. (Allow me to be a little cheesy here...) We deliver on great expectations! 

Between Katie and I, we offer a wealth of knowledge and years of experience you can trust.