Serving Southern Arizona

Supporting Women and Families through Pregnancy and Postpartum

Every birth is special. Whether it takes place at the hospital or at home, each is beautiful and deserving of celebration. No matter how you birth your baby, everyone can benefit from having a doula. Contact me to learn more about my services, and how I can support you as you bring your own child into this beautiful world.

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"I didn't know the beauty of my body until I was pregnant. I didn't know the strength of my mind until I gave birth. I didn't know the depth of my love until I held my baby." ~ Emma Bird

  Meet

  Rhonda Anderson

Desert Bloom Doula Service, LLC

Marana AZ

  What IS a Doula Anyway?

  dou·la

  ˈdo͞olə/

  noun

  noun: doula; plural noun: doulas

1. a woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide                         support to the family after the baby is born.

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 Why I Became a Doula

 The experience of pregnancy and birth has evolved over the years, and can be especially overwhelming in today’s society.

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  I believe that the need for caring, sensitive

  and knowledgeable support during this time

  is becoming more and more apparent. I see every pregnancy and birth as a miracle, and as a Doula I feel blessed to contribute my expertise to women and families in the NW Tucson, Oro Valley, and Marana area.

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 In 2002 I was honored to support a friend during the birth of her third child. I was immediately in love with birth work and knew I'd found my calling. Since then, I have gained certifications as a birth doula (CBI), Childbirth Educator (CBI), CPR Instructor (AHA) and have attended postpartum doula training with Pro Doula and Birth Arts International . I have a certification in perinatal mood disorders through Postpartum Support International. Having over 16 years experience, and being a (ret) military wife for 25 years, I know first hand the need for support, especially when family may not be an option due to distance or other factors. Both of my children were born on military installations without family nearby to help, and in one instance, without my husband by my side. I found comfort and support from women in my community when I was feeling my lowest as a new mother. I am thankful for those experiences; I believe they help me be a compassionate support person for other women. My children are now grown and have children of their own. Being a Nana has been my greatest joy.

REVIEWS

While researching postnatal doulas in the Tucson area I felt drawn to chose Rhonda.  As a first time and single mama I knew I would need a professional to guide me. I now understand why I felt that connection after the conversation with her when my son was 4 days old and I needed help in a bad way!  How to successfully breastfeed with having very little sleep with my infant son clusterfeeding and having days/nights mixed up was quite rough.  Rhonda was to the rescue with numerous helpful suggestions!  She assisted and helped to ease my worries/doubts in our three in person meetings and ongoing conversations.  I felt especially supported after the first in person session where I was so topsy turvy and emotional from the birthing process/cesarean birth on top of situational stressors.  Rhonda has always been prompt in responding to text questions I have.  She was my right hand woman the first month of my son's life and continues to be a support person through the online perinatal support group or answering other questions I have that pop up (I'm typing this on my son's 8 week birthday).  Rhonda additionally has been respectful of safety precautions during Covid.  Please don't hesitate to hire Rhonda as your doula!  She has a wide knowledge base, is empathetic and kind. ~ Kelly