Empowered Birth and Beyond

Full Spectrum Doula serving families and individuals through all pregnancy outcomes in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and Virtually
Reproductive Justice Advocate
Pole Dance and Sensual Movement Medicine
Honored to help you create the birth your dreams
Baby Mama with personal experience overcoming challenges with breastfeeding and postpartum healing.
Body Confidence and Mindset Coach

Hello, My name is Christina Lares MPH, MA, Doula, CLES, CLC

Education

Certified Lactation Consultant & Lactation Education Specialist- BreastfeedLA - 2023

Abortion Doula Training - Birthworkers of Color Collective - 2022

Full Spectrum Doula Training - Birthworkers of Color Collective - 2020

MPH in Health Promotion and MA in Latin American Studies - San Diego State University - 2015 Research Focus: Understanding Teenage Pregnancy Experience Among Ventura County Latinas.

BS in Health Science emphasis in Public Health - San Diego State University - 2008

Specialties

Mindfulness, Empowered Mindset, Body Confidence/Acceptance, Sensuality & Pleasure Coaching, Positive Birth, Pleasure Justice, Abortion Doula

Dance and Sensual Movement Expert with over 13 years of experience in pole dance, flexibility, and aerial arts.

Reproductive Justice Advocate with over 20 years of experience organizing for bodily autonomy, human rights, pleasure justice, and healthy, sustainable communities.

Passionate about Young Parents, LGBTQIA+ families, assisted reproductive technology (IVF, IUI), Breastfeeding-Friendly policies and support, Sex Worker Rights, Accessibility and Disability Justice

Benefits of Working with a Doula
A doula is a professional labor assistant who provides physical and emotional support to you and your partner during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
For instance, a doula might offer:
  • Attention to physical comfort through techniques such as touch and massage and assistance with breathing
  • Emotional reassurance, comfort and encouragement
  • Information about what's happening during labor and the postpartum period, including explanations of procedures
  • Help with facilitating communication between you and the hospital staff
  • Guidance and support for loved ones
  • Assistance with breast-feeding

Often, however, a doula's most important role is to provide continuous support during labor and delivery. Although research is limited, some studies have shown that continuous support from doulas during childbirth might be associated with:
  • A decreased use of pain relief medication during labor
  • A decreased incidence of C-sections
  • A decrease in the length of labor
  • A decrease in negative childbirth experiences

(Source: Mayo Clinic, 2022)

Let's Connect
Fill out the form below with your details and I will get back to you as soon as possible to set up a free consultation call.
I love working with individuals, mothers, and birthing people who are seeking an informed, holistic, and empowered experience. Folks who are ready to trust their bodies and the knowledge and wisdom within.
Affiliations
Abortion Doula Program Coordinator with Birthworkers of Color Collective
Approved Doula Provider with MediCal Reimbursement Program
Consultant with San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, I am here to affirm, advocate, and support you and your goals.
Credentialied with The Doula Network
Testimonials from Past Clients

"There are many reasons I would recommend Christina’s Doula support.

My main reason is her advocacy for an emotionally spiritual connected pregnancy and birth. After trying to conceive for 6 years, my husband and I turned to IVF which consisted of many medications and doctor visits. While I am so thankful for this science, the emotional connection wasn’t always present with staff.

Christina prepared me mentally and physically how to spiritually connect with my pregnancy and delivery. Christina allowed me to be vulnerable and inquisitive with her.

No fear or question was too farfetched for her. She reassured me always with her compassionate demeanor and her supportive solutions."

"ASSURED. Each time I met with Christina, I left each time feeling assured that I was connected to this pregnancy and my baby. Assured that my body was doing what it is meant to do. Assured that I was doing all that I can do to carry this baby to full term and bring her to earth side.

Christina’s doula methods showed me how to feel confident and beautiful at each stage of pregnancy and more importantly postpartum."

"My goal was to feel confident and calm. Christina made herself available to me during my pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She checked in with me often making sure my emotional needs were being met in the traditional medical setting. She let me know what I could ask for at my pre-natal appointments and what I could decline if it wasn’t right for me or baby.

Prior to giving birth we went over what I can expect with labor and how to prepare physically, mentally and spiritually. With her help, I calmly went into labor connected to this experience and ready to bring baby to earth side."

Certified Lactation Consultant
Full Spectrum Doula
Fertility, Abortion, Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum and Beyond
Trauma-Informed, Intersectional Lens
Please Note - I am no longer accepting birth clients for 2024.

Please visit birthworkersofcolor.com to be matched with a doula

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