What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained birth professional that assists women and their partners to promote a satisfying birth experience.
A labor and delivery coach who...
Educates you prior to birth.
Prepares you for birth.
Supports you in birth.
Follows up after birth.
a doula does not…
A doula does not perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. We are there to provide only physical comfort and emotional support.
A doula does not make decisions for you. We will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. We will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.
A doula does not overstep professional boundaries or scope when interacting with your care providers and medical staff on your behalf. We will help utilize your voice and interact with staff, however you are still in control and charge. Instead, we will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options.
skills of a doula…
Relaxation: A Doula encourages the flow of the body’s helpful hormones by utilizing: Aromatherapy, Visualization and Imagery, Essential Oils, Massage, Restful atmosphere, Hydrotherapy.
Positional strategy: A Doula helps get mom in a good position to encourage baby into the most optimal position for proper dilation and easier delivery utilizing: Rebozo flexion, Lunges, Birth Ball activities, Forward leaning, Psoas Stretching, Sidelying Release, Muscle Memory, Abdominal lifts, Abdominal Release.
Preparation: A Doula encourages options, pregnancy health, labor and delivery, and postpartum care by offering preparation sessions covering: Anatomy, Writing a birth plan, Hospital Policies, Stages of labor, Nutrition Pain Management, Comfort Measures, and Pelvic Strategy.
benefits of a doula:
Prenatal education
Presence during labor and delivery
Pain management skills
Lessens hours of labor by 25%
Lower rate of epidural use 60%
Lower C-section rate by 50%
Lower use of pitocin by 40%
Satisfying birth experience
https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/benefits-of-a-doula/
http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/
want to learn more?
The first step is setting up an interview! There is no obligation, just a meeting to get to know each other and hear about the services we offer. We will answer any questions you have, and then you can decide if you would proceed with hiring one of us as your doula. We then would begin working together! Be sure to check out the services tab for the available options!
This pregnancy and birth is a once in a lifetime event, you will never be pregnant with this baby again...make the most of it!
