Welcome to Integrative Childbirth Services! My name is Rená Koerner (Ward) and I offer doulas services, childbirth education, certified Labor Doula training and Happiest Baby on the Block classes. I serve Lakewood, Long Beach, South Bay, Orange County, Los Angeles County and surrounding cities.

For many of years, women have been supported by other women while giving birth. A doula (also known as a Childbirth Assistants, Labor Support Professionals, Birth Assistants, or Birth Companions) is just that - a woman who provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth and immediately after the arrival of newborn(s).

A doula does not replace the partner. Instead, she enhances the support of the partner so that he or she can love and encourage the laboring woman. She helps to take the pressure off of the partner to perform, allowing them to enjoy the experience.

The primary focus during the change from pregnancy to parenthood is a healthy and safe entrance - a doula's role is to aide in this transition.

With a BIRTH DOULA:

• Women have shorter labor
• Fewer interventions
• Fewer cesareans
• Healthier babies
• Breastfeeding success
• Less postpartum depression