Birth & Postpartum Doula care in Coeur d’alene, Idaho

Helping Mamas feel confident and supported throughout pregnancy, birth, and their transition to Motherhood…


Pregnancy is an amazing time - but whether it’s your first pregnancy or tenth, you probably have a million questions running through your head every day (and night)!

 

You can think of a doula as the person who walks you through these questions and more. Through your birth and postpartum period, a doula provides physical and emotional support, making sure you are empowered and supported no matter what your birth and postpartum experience look like.


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Birth Doula Support Package #1

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Birth Doula Support Package #2

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Postpartum Doula Support & nutritious food preparation services

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Meet your Coeur d’alene area doula

Maranatha Owens CBD

My name is Maranatha, and I’m a Certified Birth Doula here in Coeur d’alene, Idaho.

I have been in love with the birth process ever since I can remember! 

All six of my children were born at home,  and now I’m Grammy to a growing tribe of grandchildren.  For the past 30+ years, I’ve been supporting women in labor at home, and when needed, in the hospital.  I am passionate about helping parents-to-be navigate their pregnancies, births, and postpartum season with confidence, education, and peace. I fully believe that God designed women to birth and nurture their young, and it gives me great joy encouraging women to live with that confidence.  I want to help you have the birth that you desire, and I’ll walk by your side through the ups and downs, every step of the way.

 

When I’m not talking about childbirth education, or coaching my clients through contractions, you can find me hanging out with my family, including my husband, daughters, grown children, and grandchildren. I love Jesus, the ocean, massive amounts of light and sunshine, taking walks with my hubby, traveling, eating ethnic food, growing flowers, reading good books, and playing in my garden. My life is abundantly overflowing with amazing gifts, friends, and family, and I am grateful.


It would be my honor to personally discuss your needs and come up with a custom plan to help you feel prepared and excited about your birth and coming season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the role of doulas and how they can support you during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

  • What is a doula?

    A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their families during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Unlike medical professionals, doulas focus on the emotional and physical comfort of the birthing woman. Doulas create an atmosphere of support and encouragement, looking for ways to ease fear and pain through education, coaching, and verbal affirmation. 

  • How can a doula help during labor?

    Doulas offer continuous support during labor, helping to create a calming environment, providing comfort measures, and assisting with communication between the birthing person and medical staff. Their presence can help reduce anxiety and improve overall birth experiences. Doulas look for ways to help conserve the energy of the Mama by helping with hydration and nourishment, and encouraging rest at appropriate times. She may help reposition the laboring woman for pain reduction or better alignment to help with labor progress. There are a multitude of non-medical modalities that Doulas use, depending on their training and experience.

  • What is postpartum doula support?

    Postpartum doulas assist families after the baby arrives, offering support with infant care, emotional well-being, and household tasks. They help new parents adjust to their new roles and provide valuable resources for feeding and caring for their newborn.
  • How do I choose the right doula?

    Choosing a doula is a personal decision. Consider their experience, training, and approach to support. It's important to have a consultation to ensure you feel comfortable and aligned with their philosophy.
  • What is my philosophy on birth?

    Here at Gentle Presence Doula, we believe that  women were designed by the Creator to carry and birth their babies, as well as nourish them with the perfect first food: breast milk.  We believe that every woman can educate herself, through reading, listening, and coaching, and learn skills that they didn't necessarily grow up with. We believe women have God-given instincts, but were also created to need the nurture and coaching of other women.  We are passionate about encouraging and building confidence in the women we serve....during pregnancy, labor, and as she learns to handle, care for, and feed her new baby.  This encouragement also extends into self-care, nourishment, rest, and support during her postpartum season.  Books and the web are helpful, but not enough. We need real live women who care for us and encourage us to become the mothers we were created to be.  Let us coach you as you journey into Motherhood together.

  • Do I need a doula if I have a midwife or doctor?

    Yes! Doulas complement the care provided by midwives and doctors. While medical professionals focus on the clinical aspects of birth, doulas provide emotional and physical support, ensuring that your preferences are respected throughout the process.
  • If I have to transport to the hospital, will you still be with me?

    Yes!  If you require medical transport to the hospital, I will continue to support you and your partner. You need continued support all the way through delivery, and I will advocate for you and be that continual, steady, gentle presence you need, even at the hospital.  I am here for you!

Still have questions?

If you have more questions or need further information about our doula services, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you every step of the way.

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Musings From a Doula

By Maranatha Owens October 13, 2022
My Story…My Passion Hello and welcome! I’m so thrilled that you’re here! My name is Maranatha Owens, the Birth Doula at Gentle Presence Doula in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This photo was taken in 1999, the week I became a Mother! A little about me…I am a seasoned Mama and new grandma, who has birthed all six of my children at home. I have been in love with the birth process ever since I can remember. I experienced my first birth at the age of 19, as a young lady gave birth for the first time-in the hospital-and gave her baby up for adoption. My heart nearly exploded, knowing that i was literally made to hold the hand of birthing mamas, and enjoy the holy moments when a new life was born. In my early 20’s, I went through a year of beginning Midwifery training and devoured every book I could get my hands on about birth and all things natural. I’ve personally experienced vastly different levels of support and bedside manner from the women who assisted with each of my labors, but I never had the chance to have a Doula myself. Two of my midwives provided incredible emotional, educational, and physical support, making me feel safe and nurtured. I also received care from several who provided great medical, physical, and educational support, but lacked the emotional and intuitive aspects of care. Reflecting on those experiences, I realized that those two midwives served me as more than just midwives; they encompassed all of the skills, attributes, and intuition that I strive to provide my clients as a Birth Doula. I am grateful for all of the midwives and friends who have served me during labor and pregnancy, but I’m especially thankful for the high level of support, nurture, and encouragement from those two. They made me know what was possible. After my sixth baby was born in 2013, I was overwhelmed by postpartum health issues that I did not expect and had not previously experienced. I didn’t live close to family or have much support during my birthing years, and looking back, I realize how valuable having postpartum doula care would have been for me personally. That difficult season helped me develop a vision for how to help women prevent some of the issues that I faced postpartum, as well as provide better support, encouragement, and resources to women not just during pregnancy and labor, but after the baby arrives…a time when we as women need so much more support than we often receive or know to ask for. Over the past twenty plus years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to help many mamas from diverse backgrounds during their births, both in their homes and in the hospital: single moms, adoptive moms, married moms, first-time moms, and moms having their sixth + babies. I have been a Jill of all trades for many years. I taught gardening to young and old in a small community garden that I built up. Gardening brings me so much pleasure and serenity. I have also worked as a teacher in my own home and in homeschool co-ops, waitressed, been a cook for a small remote mountain resort, lived off-grid, and helped my husband manage several home businesses. I’ve traveled the world…I LOVE to travel! I still love the man I’ve been married to for nearly 30 years, and we have learned to be a team, working together to build our family, as well as our home businesses, and to live in peace. Jesus rocked my world when I was 17…and I’ve never been the same since. His love and peace rule my life and direct my steps, helping me to extend peace and a Gentle Presence to the women I serve. And no, you don’t have to be a Christian for me to be absolutely honored to serve you. Thank you for taking the time to be here. I’d love the opportunity to talk with you about your pregnancy and birth, and see how I can best meet your needs during your birth journey. Sincerely, Maranatha Owens CBD(AWWS) Birth and Postpartum Doula
By Marantha Owens October 13, 2022
Be Her Village was created to help new Mamas get funding for the essential services they need. Instead of getting more stuff at your baby shower, why not receive Doula services for your birth or postpartum needs? It’s simple. Just click the link below, and it will take you directly to my profile on Be Her Village. Then it will direct you to set up an account and show you exactly what you need to do to get my services on your baby registry. Don’t go without vital maternity services, when friends and family can help you receive the care you need to thrive! This link will bring you right to my business profile so you can add any of my services directly to your registry.  https://behervillage.com/partners/gentlepresencedoula
By Maranatha Owens October 13, 2022
Why do you need a Postpartum Doula? Because YOU need nourished, so you can nourish and meet the needs of your new baby!

Listen to “Mother” by Anson Seabra

Step Out of Anxiety and Into Joy, Confidence, and Peace

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Let’s talk

Book a free Discovery Call with me to learn more about how you can benefit from Gentle Presence doula support during pregnancy, labor, and beyond. This is you chance to get to know me and ask me questions so you can feel confident working together!



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hire Me AS your doula

Next we can make a plan and schedule our prenatal meeting(s) and address any questions you may have.

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Joy!

Celebrate feeling relaxed, joyful and supported as you prepare for your birth and bring your baby home and into the world. I’m here for you!

Empowerment, education, and hands-on care are something a doula uniquely provides.

From teaching you about your changing body to cooking a wholesome postpartum meal - a doula's role is to help you transition into yours.

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