Local doula delivers birthing service

Already at six babies and counting, Maricopa Resident Shannon Tuke said she hopes to keep right on delivering.

Tuke, however, isn’t the one doing the pushing.

Tuke is a doula.

A doula is an experienced, non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informed choice support in prenatal care during childbirth and ensures proper bonding after childbirth.

“I do things like breathing treatments, massages and basic support,” Tuke said.

As a doula, Tuke is by the mothers’ side whenever they need her.

“I remember at my last birth, the mother was in labor for 96 hours. During that time we walked 25 flights of stairs, and miles around the hospital. It was awesome,” Tuke said.

Tuke’s doula service typically starts when the mothers are between weeks 24 and 30 of pregnancy and may last until a few weeks after birth.

“I like to stay and make sure both baby and mom are happy before I leave,” Tuke said.

It is after the child is born that Tuke said she has the most difficulty.

“It is hard to say goodbye, because you have been so close to these mothers for so long,” Tuke said.

Tuke has been helping expectant mothers in Maricopa for three years.

Before moving to Maricopa she lived in Utah where she received her doula training.

“Typically, doula training consists of other doulas teaching you for three or four days everything they know,” Tuke said.

“After birthing three babies, you can become a certified doula,” Tuke added.

Tuke charges a flat fee of $500 regardless of how many hours each client needs.

Tuke suggests that those who might be interested in her services visit for a consultation first to make sure that as mother and doula they are compatible.

“A lot of time it’s just about making sure our personalities mesh,” Tuke said.

When Tuke’s not helping mothers-to-be, she enjoys writing country and Christian music.

“I am a lyricist at heart,” she said.

She has written several songs and hopes one day to put out a CD.

“I don’t sing to the moms, but on occasion I will sing to the babies,” Tuke said.

For information contact Tuke at (520) 413-3053.

Submitted photo