Tender Bloom
Birth + Postpartum Doula Care
MAGDALENA YOUNG
About Magdalena
I am a birth and postpartum doula based in Berkeley with a deep love for flowers, cooking, my faith, laughing with my husband and friends, and caring for women and babies.
With a gentle voice, heart, and hands, I would be honored to walk alongside you through your journey into motherhood. I am prepared to support you through education, mindfulness, advocacy, partner support, and hands-on care.I hold space for you to feel heard, nurtured, informed, and deeply cared for in this tender season.
My softness is here for you to discover, draw upon, and trust the strength that is already within you. I am simply here to remind you that it is there.
My practice is informed by multiple streams of knowledge. I value evidence-based and evidence-informed care . I believe there is so much to learn from both the science of birth and the generations of women who have come before us while also honoring and trusting the profound wisdom of your own body, your heart, and your baby.
Having been raised in a German-Malawian home, I carry a deep appreciation for the different ways women and motherhood are honored across cultures. Malawi, affectionately known as the "Warm Heart of Africa," has shaped my appreciation for the warmth of community, the tenderness with which mothers are cared for, and the importance of surrounding women with love and support.
These influences shape my approach to birth and postpartum care: the mother is at the center.
I am here to tend to your heart, body, and spirit, while helping you nurture a garden of support with the people you already know and love, whether that be your partner, family, or friends. Just as a garden flourishes with nourishment, patience, and tending, I believe mothers deserve to be surrounded by the same.
Why have a Birth Doula?
Research suggests that doula support can:
Increase satisfaction and confidence in your overall birth experience.
Reduce the likelihood of a cesarean birth.
Lower the likelihood of certain interventions, including labor induction and epidural use.
Reduce the likelihood of a cesarean birth.
Reduce duration of labour
Help your partner feel more prepared , empowered and involved in supporting you.
Provide consistent companionship and reassurance throughout labor and birth.
Help ease fear and anxiety through encouragement, education, and emotional support.
Offer hands-on comfort measures, positioning techniques, and relaxation strategies to help you navigate the different stages of labor.
Provide a steady, familiar and emotionally atuned presence so you feel supported, heard, and cared for throughout your birth journey.
click + sign to read more about what each service entails
“EVERY FLOWER BLOOMS IN IT’S OWN TIME”- Ken Petti
I offer mother-centered informational, physical, and emotional support to help you feel prepared and supported along the journey. We’ll create a personalized birth plan, practice comfort measures, involve partners/support people and navigate the different stages of labor with its own unique sensations and emotions with trust and peace.
The Full Bloom: Birth Doula Package
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Discussing your birth goals and preferences
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two, two hour Prenatal classes via Zoom or in person: educational and practical
Mindset, perspective, mental tools
Breathwork, movement, positions
Informed decision-making, hospital protocols and advocacy
Hands-on techniques for partners or support persons
Working through birth plan and postpartum planning
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Continual support <3
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Continual virtual contact via phone, text, or video during early labor
In person Active Labor support
Relaxation techniques, Positioning, movement, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, hands-on comfort measures, massage
Coaching and reassurance for partners. I am here to facilitate connection with your loved ones
Emotional attunement, encouragement and decision making support
Golden Hour bonding and newborn feeding support
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Check in on wellbeing of mother ,baby and family
Emotional processing and birth reflection
Feeding support
Healing tips and wellness practices
Newborn care basics
Resource referrals regarding lactation, pelvic floor therapy, and mental health
The Tender Days : Postpartum Doula Package
I offer daytime support for mother, baby and the whole family typically in the first 6-8 weeks after birth. The Fourth trimester is a time where rest, support and nourishment are like sunshine and water are for a flower: essential. I am here to be a part of your postpartum village and foster the space for you feel held in tenderness and grace as you bloom into motherhood.
click + sign to read more about what each service entails
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Discussing your birth goals and preferences
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Getting to know each other before your birth
Talk through post partum plans and what to expect in the initial days/weeks
Discuss food preparation/circles of support
Discuss questions and/or concerns about baby's arrival.
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Body/Chest/Breast/Bottle feeding assistance
Newborn Care : swaddling, diapering, bathing, holding, soothing
Facilitating space for you to rest, connect with baby/partner
Birth reflection and processing
Support with mother’s physical recovery e.g Preparing healing baths for mother , massage, shower prep, creating space for you to rest
Emotional support: I offer you a calm, reassuring , non judgmental presence and a listening ear.
Light meal and snacks preparation
Light housekeeping and laundry
Sharing resources such as lactation consultant, sleep consultant, acupuncturist, chiropractor
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