Malena Sweers

Life cycles are constant sources of amazement and education. Before transitioning into birth work I supported agricultural cycles as a farmer. Now I focus endless curiosity toward human birth! I thrive in support roles where I get to tune in and respond to a client’s specific situation, cares and concerns. I simply really like my job and put forth great effort into it. When I’m not working you might find me puttering in my garden, hiking with my dog, cooking meals with the community, getting up to some crafty shenanigans, or napping on the porch.

The foundation I circle back to the most in birth work is the worth of showing up for one another. When certain plans go out the window, holding someone’s hand who gives you their full presence goes a very long way. Ask me any questions about my relationship to birth work or doula service logistics in a complimentary interview!

All birthing and parenting experiences are informed by our cultural backgrounds. The foundation of effective birthwork is anti-racism, anti-oppression, LGBTQ and BIPOC affirming. Trained through DONA international, prioritizing trauma informed care. Mentored by and working alongside Natasha Joyet https://www.natashajoyet.com/

External support

  • Utilizing external support relieves some of the weight we rely on friends and families to carry. The doula, or "third” person supporting the birth space allows partners to be more fully available for various (often unexpected) comfort measures the birthing person prefers. Additionally, there is no need to perform for a professional. Not attached to your parenting/family unit, I get to exercise unbiased support.

  • Preparing for birth with a professional support advocate increases your sense of preparedness and safety through the entire perinatal process. 

Evidence

  • In 2014 the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynocologists (ACOG) released a statement that the single most important thing someone can do to decrease their chance of cesarean is to have "the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula”.

  • A 2017 systematic Cochrane review showed that having continuous labor support makes one more likely to have a vaginal birth, shorter labor, less likely to have a cesarean delivery, instrument-assisted delivery (vacuum, forceps), regional pain medication, low APGAR scores, or a negative birth experience.