Doula – Pilar Izquierdo Herlihy

Full-spectrum doula in Paris

Pilar is a certified full-spectrum doula based in Paris. She specializes in hypnosis, yoga, and perinatal well-being. She offers holistic and personalized support to mothers and families at any point in their journey, from pre conception and pregnancy, to birth and beyond. The support can be practical, informational, emotional, or physical, always tailored to personal needs.

Background
Pilar was born and raised in Colombia, has lived in the US and has been living in France for 20 years. A doula since 2017, she has supported more than 600 families. Her multicultural background and experience provide families with a broader perspective on birth choices, encouraging informed decisions, incorporating evidence-based information and alternative practices.

Moreover, having become a mother herself in France, far from her homeland, she also understands the challenges that new moms living abroad face. According to families, Pilar is a ‘pillar’ in their journey, providing warmth, serenity, and sharing her wisdom with respect, and kindness, fostering a more humanized, empowering, and peaceful motherhood and parenthood.

Pilar is the founder of Serenaissance®, teaches at the Yoga-Doula® school, and is an active member of the European Doula Network®. Her services can be offered in French, Spanish, or English.

Certifications and tools
Since there is no manual to become parents and one type of approach is not usually enough, Pilar has multiple tools she adapts to your needs and wishes.

Hypnosis support
• HypnoBirthing® (Mongan approach, USA)
• HypnoNatal® (Bartoli approach, FR)
• HypnoFertility® during preconception, including IVF, IA, MAP (USA)
• Hypnosis practitioner (FR, USA)

Doula support
• Yoga-Doula® (FR), for a humanized approach inspired by yoga and ayurveda,
including the practice of pre and postnatal yoga.
• ParamanaDoula® Michel Odent (FR), training with Naoli Vinaver (BR) and
QuantikMama® (CA), all renowned birth professionals.
• Spinning Babies® parent educator, to facilitate baby’s position and birth.
• Bonapace® method, to modulate pain during childbirth.
• Non-Violent Communication® and Active Listening®

Well-being support
• Ayurvedic massage for women, mothers (prenatal and postnatal) and babies.
• Rebozo & chumbe: traditional cloth massages, rituals and care.
• Ceremonies: Mama Blessing, 40-day closing, closing bones rituals.
• Ayurvedic postpartum cuisine for optimal postpartum recovery.

What is a doula?
A doula is a nonclinical birth professional who provides various types of support for women during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and other related reproductive health experiences. They offer emotional, informational, and physical assistance while respecting the family’s choices. Doulas do not make decisions, perform medical tasks, or replace medical advice but share knowledge and resources to enhance a positive experience for mothers and families.

Research* shows that having a doula can lead to significant benefits, such as a 60% reduction in the need for epidurals, a 50% decrease in cesarean sections, and a reduction in labor time. Doulas also lower the chances of low birth weight and childbirth complications, promote breastfeeding, and improve overall ratings of the childbirth experience. In some places, like the US, governments recognize the value of doulas in improving care and reducing care disparities.

Find more Maternity Services in Paris