Cara Mehlon Birth and Wellness

Our Story

I started in birth work when my husband and I were planning a family of our own. I needed to feel more prepared going into such an amazing journey. I found my doula training opened my eyes to how amazing birth can be for all of us. I have been a labor doula for over 11 years now, I am also a certified Childbirth Educator and Breastfeeding USA Counselor. I have been happily married to Chad since 2006 and we have 2 amazing children – a girl and a boy. As a Certified Massage Therapist since 2003, I bring my Anatomy and Physiology training to help moms have a more comfortable and enjoyable pregnancy, labor and birth. I also bring my personal experience of my own two births and my labor doula training and experience to help make a difference. Certifications/Qualifications/Volunteer Certified Birth Boot Camp Childbirth Educator DONA Trained Birth Doula Breastfeeding USA Counselor/Former Course Teacher Certified Massage Therapist and ABMP Member Indy Birth Alliance Leadership Team Member The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. -A Birth Doula recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life -Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor -Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth -Stays with the woman throughout the labor -Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions -Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers -Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience -Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level Women have complex needs throughout pregnancy, during childbirth, and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences. Doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.