Diane van der Westhuizen, L.M., CD(DONA)
1. How long have you been a doula?I attended my first birth as a doula in 1991. At the time, I didn't even know what a doula was! I had been volunteering in the nursery of an adoption home all through high school and gradually the mothers staying there began to approach me to help them through their births. I've worked as a postpartum doula since 1993, including several years in London.
2. Why did you decide to become a doula?
I wanted to make my hobby my profession :) Long before I started doing doula work, I would spend hours talking to pregnant friends (and strangers), wanting to make sure they had all the information they needed to give birth in confidence, trusting their bodies. I also spent several years as a postpartum doula and I noticed that Moms that had the hardest births OFTEN HAD THE MOST difficult time postpartum. I realized how important it is for women to be nurtured right from the start. If new mothers get the care and support they need during pregnancy labor, it gets them off to a confident start as a new parent.
3. What are your hobbies, passions, diversions, etc.I love playing the piano, hanging out with friends, travel, cooking and reading.
4. What is your philosophy about birth?
I believe that birth should be an empowering and beautiful experience, no matter how the baby is ultimately born. I believe that when women are in a place where they feel safe and when they trust their bodies, birth will happen just as it should.
5. A little something about your personal life
I am originally from South Africa and lived in London and Canada for several years prior to arriving in LA in 1999. I originally came here to pursue a career in television production, but my love of babies and birth kept calling to me. When my producer requested that I only give breasifeeding advice after office hours, I knew it was time to make a decision....
I live in Glendale with my husband Douglas who has become very knowledgeable
about doulas and babies since meeting me! If I'm ever out, he can probably
answer any questions you have.
6. What are your specialties, unique qualities, whatever... what might make someone want to hire you specifically?
I received my midwifery license in July 2004 and I feel that my skills and experience in this area provide an extra resource for my clients. My training involves attending home births and this has increased my belief in the safety of natural, unmedicated birth.
My goal with my clients is to educate and reassure them as much as possible before the birth so that they have the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their experience. My role at the birth is to provide quiet emotional support and to keep them informed of their choices.
I also offer private childbirth classes and postpartum doula care which gives my clients the option of continuity of care.
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