Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaye Paladino.
Hi Kaye, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my career as a Labor & Delivery nurse in 1990. I initially served for 5 years as an active duty Air Force officer where I received additional training in the field of Maternal/Fetal health. I went on to practice as a civilian RN in this field for another 15 years after which I earned a MSN-Ed and taught Maternal/Fetal nursing to BSN candidates for an additional 5 years. I retired from bedside nursing in 2018 for health reasons and underwent extensive Physical and Occupational therapy to regain my strength. I enjoyed a quiet life for a few years, but I started to feel like I was missing something. I wanted to get back to what I loved, which was educating and supporting women during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
I started to look into options and came across a program called the Michigan Doula Initiative. The goal of the program was to educate and register 500 doulas across Michigan in order to improve birth outcomes. I went through a birth doula training workshop and became a birth doula. I have since obtained a certification in high-risk pregnancies, earned my LCCE and am working on becoming credentialed in a birth preparation method called Dancing For Birth. My goal is twofold; to actively work with families that are expecting a new child, and to educate the community about the benefits of hiring a doula as part of their childbirth team.
There is a misconception about doulas and childbirth, the first is that doulas are expensive and a luxury, and second that your doctor will provide you with all the information you need to give birth. I want to clear up those misconceptions. Doulas are not a luxury, in fact we are fully covered for those who qualify for Medicaid. I also work with anyone who does not qualify for Medicaid by providing discounts and payment plans. Every birth is important and every woman deserves a doula! Second, your doctor is there to manage your pregnancy and detect any complications that may occur. You still need to be informed about your rights, what to expect and how to adjust your lifestyle to support your changing body and the development of your baby, and to prepare yourself for your childbirth experience. Doulas can help with this. Research has shown that having a doula is associated with shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer NICU admissions, improved postpartum depression rates and overall improved outcomes.
Childbirth is a natural physiological process, not a disease to be treated. In the words of Virgina Di Orio, “Just as a woman’s heart knows how to pump, her lungs to fill with air, and her hand to pull back from fire, so her body knows how to birth”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has had many challenges since I embarked on the path to becoming a doula and starting my own business. Physically, I developed some neuropathy in 2018 and suffered a stroke in 2023. Despite these setbacks, I prevailed with the support of my family and, after therapy, I have fully recovered. Financially it has been a challenge as well. I have taken no loans, instead I rely on my savings and SSDI income to cover expenses such as advertising, website and additional training. It has been a challenge to get clients as many people do not understand what I have to offer or don’t understand the benefits that preparation and doula support can provide. I am meeting this challenge by providing community outreach 1 -2 times a month at the Mt. Pleasant Farmer’s Market and by working with a collaborative of area doulas to support each other.
As you know, we’re big fans of A Mother’s Touch Birth Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is a LLC and I am the sole proprietor/member. I call on my past experience as an RN with over 1000 births attended. I offer childbirth education based on the Lamaze course of study, Evidence Based Birth resources, ICEA training, and Dancing For Birth training. My past experience has given me a broad knowledge base in the areas of uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies and births. I have given birth myself 5 times (vaginally) and have used breathing and positioning, epidurals and traditional IV pain medication during labor so I know the effects, benefits and drawbacks of each of these methods personally. I have seen the benefit of movement during labor and have seen customs come and go. I am happy to see the trend of labor management moving away from a fully medical model to a natural physiologic model. I want my clients to know that whatever they choose, I can provide education, advice and support for their decisions.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Improving Maternal/Newborn outcomes is of foremost importance to me. By providing referrals and resources, as well as informing women of their rights during pregnancy, labor & delivery, I hope improve to the birth experience and promote independence by empowering women to take back control over their bodies when it comes to obstetric care. This supports my belief that every individual should be aware of their choices through informed, shared decision making with a competent, skilled medical provider. Do not accept the status quo, insist that your care is evidenced based and aligns with your values and beliefs. As a population, we have surrendered our values and placed unwavering trust in the medical system. It is time we took responsibility for our own healthcare, and require those we hire to provide health counsel be prepared to support the advice they offer with evidence and clear explanations.
Pricing:
- $10 – $20: Cost of introductory mini courses in birth ball basics and Dancing For Birth introductory capsule classes
- $100 – $400: Cost of childbirth education/preparation with a trained educator
- $600 – $1500: Cost of doula support either at home or in hospital
- $1500 – $5000: Cost of home delivery with a midwife
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amotherstouchbirthservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amt.by.kaye
