Amita has integrated her skills and talents. By incorporating her knowledge of pregnancy and the childbirth process with her experience in Middle Eastern Dance, Amita teaches the age old technique of birth preparation through Belly Dance, as well as offering Doula services to pregnant clients.

Enhance femininity and sensuality. Release hip, pelvic and abdominal tension while increasing circulation and flexibility. Reconnect with your inner Goddess. Inquire about classes and Doula (Certified Child Birth Partner) services.

“The belly dance puts a pregnant women deeply in touch with her power and beauty as creator and progenitor and when practiced throughout the duration of the pregnancy, can go a long way towards helping her stay fully connected to her own inner authority as she joins in the primal ritual of birthing”
—Iris Stewart
Sacred Woman Sacred Dance

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The Dance of Life
By, Amita Graham
5/10/06

In researching this topic I was surprised to find a plethora of information on the ritualistic practices of Oriental Dance and its relationship to childbirth. From a cultural point of view many ethnic groups practice traditional movements to tone, strengthen, and refine the muscles of the abdomen, thighs and pelvic floor. Researchers and devotees of mixed educational and practical backgrounds bring valuable insight to the table of discussion on this topic. Dancers, writers, performers, teachers, psychologists, midwives and childbirth educators all contribute to the evidence leading to the conclusion that dance oriental or “belly dance” as we know it in the west, is a valid form . . .

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What is a Doula?
Doulas support women and their families during the childbirth process. Whether at home, in the hospital or at a birth center, a doula helps her clients to achieve the birth experience they desire. Doulas are trained to assist with the non-medical aspects of the labor experience. This care includes skills such as, relaxation techniques, massage, visualization and positioning. A doula gives continuous emotional support to her clients throughout the progression of the labor.

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Benefits of having a Doula:
Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
Assist clients in carrying out their plans for a positive birth experience.
Give continuous care throughout the labor experience.
Provide emotional support, physical comfort and information/resources.
Facilitate communication between clients and caregivers.
Advocate and assist fathers/partners in taking a positive and productive role in the labor process.

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Services Offered:
Prenatal consultation in your home.
Assist with birth plan.
Evaluate pain preference scale.
Phone consultations as necessary.
Support throughout labor (average 12 hours of continuous care).
Breast feeding, nutritional assistance and referrals.
Presentation on doula services at medical and educational facilities.

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Credentials:
Amita received her certification through DONA (Doulas of North America) in 1999. As a graduate of the University of Arizona, College of Public Health Amita is qualified, as a Maternal and Child Health professional with extensive education in nutrition and health services. Amita is also a Board Certified Lactation Consultant giving her an extra advantage to helping clients to achieve the initial breastfeeding latch, as well as providing lactation support throughout the post partum experience. Having a wide variety of hands on experience at births in hospitals and in birth centers gives Amita a broadminded approach to childbirth and the process through which each individual derives as their own unique experience. References are available upon request from clients, midwives, and physicians.

Cost:
Contact Amita for more information at:
Phone Number:(520) 401-1151
e-mail:amita@azardance.com