Rita Hunt

ritahunt213@aol.com

As a birth doula it is my desire to empower women during one of the most significant events of their life and support every mom/couple in their birth choices. I was trained through DONA International and have assisted with births at both Martha Jefferson Hospital and UVA Hospital. I am honored and privileged to serve as a doulas providing emotional, physical and informational support. I am also a Licensed Occupational Therapist which I feel has helped prepare me for my role as a doula. It is very important to me to work with the mother's birth partner(father/partner) to help them feel supported and a significant part of the birthing process. I also work respectfully with other healthcare providers including doctors, nurses and midwifes. I use a variety of comfort measures during labor believing every women is different and responds/relaxes to varying techniques and interventions. I am also willing to provide guidance/comfort measures during prenatal meetings. 

Qualifications:

• Certified Birth Doula through DONA International

• CPR certified infant, child and adult

• Licensed Occupational Therapist— Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy studying anatomy/physiology, human growth and developement, relaxation techniques, coping strategies/stress management and helping individuals lead healthier productive lives. My career as an OT has helped me prepare for my role as a doula. I believe giving birth is one of the most important occupations in the live of a women.

• Teach a class on "Comfort Measures During Labor" as part of the Childbirth Education Series at UVA throughout the year since Jan 2013

• A member of Birth Circle of Virginia/participate in monthly meetings where women are supported and encouraged during their pregnancy/childbearing years

• Coordinated and lead a "Comfort Measures Workshop" for the OB nurses at UVA Feb/April 2014

• Working towards becoming a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Member of the Blue Ridge Breastfeeding Partnership— a networking resource for supporting breastfeeding moms

•Attend yoga classes and aspire to complete a prenatal yoga teacher training program in the near future