Graceful Beginnings Birth and More

Birth is a natural, sacred, mysterious and beautiful expression of life. It is a moment that will forever be imprinted in your being. Each birth is unique, regardless of where, when or how it occurs. By embracing the innate power of the human body, understanding the role of hormones, creating a supportive environment, and implementing natural techniques and modalities, an empowering and fulfilling birth experience can be successfully fostered. 

Lindsay Millwood, owner of Graceful Beginnings in Columbia, is ready to provide the emotional, educational and physical support you need, whether you are expecting your first or fifth child. Her extensive doula training is not only available during active labor, but throughout the pregnancy and postpartum stages as well. The word “doula” is Greek for a woman’s servant or caregiver; these trained labor companions attend primarily to the needs of the mother by offering emotional, physical and mental support.  

“I see every pregnancy and birth as a miracle,” Millwood remarks. “As a certified birth doula, I am honored to be able to contribute my expertise to women and their families.” Millwood will explain resources, services and techniques available at the preferred place of birth, as well as discuss various benefits and risks and develop emergency-intervention options. She will facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers. Her knowledge is paramount in collecting and deciphering information so that informed decisions can be made on behalf of the laboring mother.

Studies consistently reveal that women that have a doula present at their birth event are less likely to have cesarean sections, have fewer epidurals, and have shorter labors with fewer complications—these babies often have higher Apgar scores and are shown to breastfeed more successfully. Nurturing the bond between mother and baby during this transformative journey contributes to the holistic well-being of both individuals.

Clients can rest easy in the assurance that they will walk through this journey with complete, nonjudgmental support, specialized educational resources, and an unwavering sense of confidence that only deliberate preparation and experience can provide. Millwood enjoys meeting with expectant mothers and their partners before the due date so that she can get acquainted, learn their preferences and interests, answer questions and concerns, and develop a birth plan and desired path of progress. As your doula, she will work with you to achieve the experience that you desire with evidence-based comfort measures and will maintain an objective, clear, viewpoint throughout the labor process.

Millwood is a homeschool mother of four; a student midwife; and serves as a doula, childbirth educator, and lactation care provider in the Midlands and Lowcountry areas. She is certified as a childbirth doula and holds additional certifications in the functional assessment of ties and oral tethers as well as relaxation-based pain relief.

For more information, contact Lindsay Millwood at 404-314-0363 or [email protected]. Also follow Millwood on TikTok@Doula_Lindsay or visit GracefulBeginningsBirth.com.