Janet Hirsch Ettenger

Birth Doula
Malibu, California
35 years of experience
About me

I have been working in women's health for over 25 years, first as a nurse, and now as a certified birth doula and childbirth educator. I am passionate about teaching and love talking about the amazingness of birth. Toward that end, I am always continuing my own education as it relates to creating comfort in pregnancy and birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum mental health. I will encourage you to develop your understanding of this process, as well as your tools for relaxation of your mind and body. I realize that birth is a great unknown, which can be a challenging place for us to inhabit. Cultivating a sense of openness and curiosity for how your birth will unfold is one of your most powerful tools. I truly believe that a satisfying birth experience is one in which you have the support and information you need to make the decisions that are right for you. Birth is an extraordinary expression of who we are, and who our babies are, and I have always felt privileged to walk alongside a family as they meet the challenges and joys that mark this profound transition.

Education

BFA (Cal Arts) (1982)

RN (1993)

Certification and training

Birth doula (DONA) (2006)

Lactation educator (UCSD) (2008)

Childbirth Educator (ICEA) (2012)

Credentials
CD (DONA) CLEC ICEA RN
Specialties
Adoption Advanced Maternal Age Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Support Caring for Special Needs Children Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Home Birth Labor Doula Midwife Support Mindfulness Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Postpartum Adjustment Prenatal Care Prenatal Life Relaxation Techniques Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth
Languages

English

Service introduction

I offer services as a birth doula. In addition, I co-own The Birth Co-op, which provides childbirth education and a doula registry. I can also teach private childbirth classes, in-person or via Zoom.

Packages
Birth Doula
My package includes a free interview; 2-3 prenatal visits which include exercises for healthy body mechanics, a labor rehearsal, and planning for your postpartum recovery; attendance at your birth; 2 postpartum visits, the second of which includes massage and an herbal steam bath at six weeks postpartum.
$3,500.00
USD Flat rate
Private Childbirth Education
We can tailor a series to fit your schedule. Generally this is a four-part series, in your home, virtually, or a combination of the two. We cover anatomy/physiology of pregnancy and labor, stages of labor, how to use medical interventions judiciously, newborns and postpartum recovery. We will also learn about healthy body mechanics during pregnancy, and have a labor rehearsal to practice relaxation breathing, positioning, and massage.
$450.00
USD Flat rate
Postpartum Closing Ceremony
Adopted from many cultures around the world that recognize the end of the early postpartum recovery as a time to honor, my closing ceremony includes massage, an herbal steam bath and a gentle wrapping of your body. It is an opportunity for lovely self-care and reflection on your journey, preparing you to move into the next stage of parenting, family life and personal development.
$350.00
USD Flat rate
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