Support in the Beginning and Beyond
MATERNAL MORTALITY
According to the CDC, racial disparities in pregnancy-related mortality exist, making United States the lowest ranked country in the developed world.
During 2011-2014, the pregnancy-related mortality ratios were:
- 12.4 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women.
- 40.0 deaths per 100,000 live births for black women.
- 17.8 deaths per 100,000 live births for women of other races.
Black mothers in the U.S. die at three to four times the rate of white mothers, that's 243% higher and one of the widest of all racial disparities in women's health.
In efforts to aid in the reduction of these statistics, Genesis Birth Services is dedicated to improving birth outcomes by making education and support in pregnancy, postpartum care, and breastfeeding a priority for all mothers with a keen focus on marginalized groups such as women of color who have the greatest need statistically.
We serve families of varying levels of income,and backgrounds with the belief that all persons giving birth should have support in the beginning of their journey and beyond.
Do you meet low income guidelines, receive medical assistance or SNAP Benefits? Contact Genesis Birth Services to learn about personalized arrangements to make birth services available to everyone who desires them.
Hablamos Español
WHAT IS A DOULA
A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
Continuous support during labour has clinically meaningful benefits for women and infants and no known harm. All women should have support throughout labor and birth.
Birth doulas:
- Decrease the overall cesarean rate by 28%
- Decrease the length of labor by 25%
- Decrease the oxytocin by 31%
- Decrease the request for pain med by 9% Decrease the need by forceps by 40%
- Decreases negative childbirth experience by 34% Help fathers participate with confidence
- Increase success in breast-feeding
- Provide greater maternal satisfaction
*See Marshall Klaus M.D.; Phyllis Klaus, M.Ed; and John Kennell, M..D. The Doula Book and other studies. Hodnett , E D. , Gates, S , Hofmeyr , G J. , & Sakala ,C .
( 2013 ). Continuous support for women during childbirth . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. Pub 5
Support When You Need It Most
OUR SERVICES
Birth Doula
Genesis Birth Services holds the belief that every birth should have a Doula regardless of where or how your baby will come into the world. We are dedicated to supporting you. With a Doula there are no shift changes, you receive continuous emotional, informational, and physical support during your pregnancy and labor. During prenatal visits we take the time to get to know you, your wishes and answer any questions that you may have. We help you prepare your birth vision and support you during your pregnancy and labor to keep you informed, and comfortable. Immediately after birth, we stay with you to assist with breastfeeding and any other postpartum procedures you may have, and will stay in touch with you for two weeks to answer any questions that you have.
Regardless of an Induction, Medicated, Non Medicated, Vaginal, Cesarean, Home, Hospital or Birth Center. A Doula is important for continuous support in pregnancy Labor and Postpartum periods. All Doulas are Trained by Gerria Coffee
A Basic Doula Package consists of:
A One on One session that will allow us to get acquainted with your needs for $25 (Fee to be applied towards selected Doula Services)
(In person is preferred, However a Virtual Zoom Consultation is available)
Includes 4 Prenatal visits
Birth Vision development
24/7 on call starting at 37 weeks of pregnancy
Comfort measures and exercises
Labor Support in home, hospital or birthing center
1 Postpartum Visit
Breastfeeding Support & Baby Care
Virtual/ Remote Doula
Some mothers would like to have Doula support from anywhere in the world, and prefer to have someone on call for telephone calls and video calls. If this sounds like you, we have remote/virtual Doula services.
A Basic Virtual Doula Package consists of:
Zoom Room Initial meeting
Birth Vision Development
Coaching for physical support
Referrals
On call support from 20 weeks
Labor availability by phone or video
2 postpartum Zoom video or phone calls
Childbirth Education
Genesis Birth Services provides Evidence Based Childbirth Education in a risks and benefits format. Our goal is to provide the information but leave the final decision up to you. You can expect to be educated on your stages of pregnancy, labor and postpartum period including matters such as breastfeeding. In addition to what you as a birthing mother can expect in our classes, we teach your support person or partner on best techniques to support your birth as well. Classes can be held virtually, privately or in a group setting.
Our goal is to help you feel prepared.
Postpartum Doula
Giving birth is a special time, however support is still necessary to help a mother and family adjust after the birth. Healing and bonding are very important in the coming weeks known as the postpartum period. Having a Postpartum Doula to help with the physical, emotional and informational support in this sacred time, will make the transition much easier for mothers of both single babies and multiples.
A basic Postpartum Doula Package consists of:
Services such as Breastfeeding support, light laundry ,errands and nurturing meal preparation for the mother so the mother can rest and heal. We provide referrals to any needed support such as lactation consultants.
A One on One session that will allow us to get acquainted with your needs for $25
4 Hour minimum is required to reserve a Doula
Our Partners
Experience Where It Counts
The Founder
Welcome to Genesis Birth Services, founded by Gerria Coffee who is a mother of four children herself two of which are twins. Gerria is not only passionate about life, but recognizes the significance of birth in a families life. Gerria is well versed in the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women and their partner before, during and after labor.
The Pittsburgh native is a mother to four small children, two being a set of twins, she also shares Lifestyle and Parenting perspectives via her Blog, SpiltMilk. ( http://www.spiltmilk.mom)
As a member of the Healthy Start Pittsburgh Center for Urban Breastfeeding Advisory Board and an Ambassador within the black community promoting breastfeeding, wellness and maternal health, Gerria holds firm the belief that "knowledge is a protection", taking personal pride in sharing her work within the noticeably underserved AA community.
After her own birthing experiences and breastfeeding challenges, she has accepted her calling to help educate others through birth work. She remains committed to shifting culture through workshops and speaking engagements on topics including breastfeeding, natural parenting, self advocacy in birth and cloth diapering.
Gerria has trained with DONA & CAPPA. She is Breastfeeding Specialist, Childbirth Educator, Certified Community Health Worker and Certified Herbalist. In efforts to protect mother and babies alike she is sharing her skills and expertise to see to it that the birthing community gets the support and education they desire when it comes to bringing a new life into the world.
Our Values
Advocacy
Knowledge is a protection.
With current Maternal Mortality Rates its important to know your options, and how to prepare your mind and body for your birth. We make it our priority to help you advocate for your. We have become experts in our field to give you the best support possible.
Evidence Based
All of the education and support we provide is evidence based. We research traditional care, along with the most recent studies to be sure you have the most practical and up to date information.
Cultural Competence
Respect for Culture and Language is as important as helping you make informed choices. We are sensitive towards your cultural needs in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. We are happy to support you the way you are most comfortable regardless of ethnic background or culture.
GET IN TOUCH.
Genesis Birth Services
Phone and Fax 717-970-3009
Thank you for allowing us to be your guide on this journey. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.
