What is a doula?

A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

How can a doula help you have a more satisfying birth?

Doulas draw on their knowledge and experience to provide support and encouragement for the laboring mother so that not only is Mom able to cope with the pain of labor but often she is empowered by it.

Doulas provide continuous physical support such as suggesting and helping Mom get into positions to help labor along, like standing, squatting or using our birth balls. Doulas also use massage, heat/cold therapy, aromatherapy and relaxation techniques.

We support Mom emotionally by providing gentle encouragement, quietly cheering her on, praising her every step of the way. A Doula will never judge Mom for any decisions she makes during her labor and birth, we support her fully.

Doulas also rely on their training and past experiences to provide Mom with information on procedures, medications and the physiology of birth, so that Mom is able to make informed decisions about her own care, though a doula will never speak FOR her. Though we are trained in many aspects of labor and birth, Doulas will never perform any medical procedures such as fetal heart checks, blood pressure checks or vaginal exams or offer medical advice.

What is the process of hiring a doula?

Most doulas like to set up at least one home visit with you, at your convenience prior to the birth. (This meeting does NOT obligate you to hire her as your doula. ) This gives both you and the doula a chance to get to know each other a bit and to find out how you can work best together.

This is a great time to discuss what you might like a doula to do for you during labor, such as massage, music, relaxation and back rubs. If you wish, a doula will also accompany you to 1-2 prenatal visits with your doctor or midwife. We also love to keep in contact with you over the phone and email in the weeks or months prior to your birth.

Once labor begins, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so that we can make arrangements with our family and prepare to come to you. In some cases, depending on traffic and the area of the hospital, it can take an hour to get to you. We stay with you throughout the entire birth and usually stay for an hour or two afterward to make sure that all is well and to help you in the beginning stages of breastfeeding and recovery.

Once you are settled and ready for some quiet family time we say our goodbyes. Usually, about a week or so after the birth, we come to your home, at your convenience, to discuss the birth, get feedback and of course to see your precious new baby.

Studies and Research

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications

• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience

• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or
  vacuum extraction and cesareans

• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research has also shown parents who receive support :

• Feel more secure and cared for

• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

• Have greater success with breastfeeding

• Have greater self-confidence

• Have less postpartum depression

• Have lower incidence of abuse