{ doula support }

during pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting and anxious time, especially for families expecting their first baby! There are so many decisions to make, and loads of brand new information filling your mind.....

What kind of birth should we plan? Where should we birth our baby? Who should we choose to support us during labor and birth and post-partum? What should we name our baby? What kind of prenatal care should we seek? Should we choose a doctor or a midwife? How do we choose which care provider is best for us? What will the baby's nursery look like? What kind of crib should we choose? Which stroller is the best? Which car seat is the safest? What are baby carriers? Cloth diapers or paper diapers? How many onesies do we need? Where is our baby going to sleep?

The questions are endless. The nights are already sleepless.

]But how many expecting families ask "should we hire a doula?"

Maybe instead they ask "what is a doula?"

Who you choose to be in your birthing space is the single most important decision you will make regarding your baby's birth.

Choose wisely.

what is a doula and why do I need one?

The word “doula” comes from ancient Greece and translates to “caregiver” or “woman of service”. Historically, women have always helped other women through labor and birth …usually older women, often family members, who have experience in giving birth. In our current society, this is not so common. Mothers need support during pregnancy, labor and birth - this is where the role of a doula comes in.

Doulas are experienced professionals that support Mothers both emotionally and physically through pregnancy, labor, and birth as well as in the postpartum period. Doulas do not offer clinical/medical advice or make decisions for pregnant or laboring women but instead, educate, guide, and help families make their own decisions about their pregnancy, their baby’s birth, and their baby’s care. Doulas assist with nursing and general newborn baby care. Doulas protect mother’s birthing space. Doulas also support Fathers/partners during labor and birth as sometimes they are the ones who need the most support in assisting the laboring mother.

Doulas recognize that birth is a significant experience in the life of a family, and an experience that will affect both Mother and baby for the rest of their lives. Doulas understand the physiology and psychology that accompanies both pregnancy and birth. Doulas understand the emotional and physical needs of laboring mothers. Doulas provide education, emotional support, and an objective viewpoint while helping families make decisions about their baby’s birth. Doulas provide the resources needed for Mothers to inform themselves. Doulas facilitate communication between the laboring Mother, her partner, and care providers. Doulas offer much-needed support in the post-partum period to assist Mothers and babies in recovering from childbirth, both physically and emotionally.

benefits of a doula

Doulas of North America (DONA) states the following fact: “Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.” Further studies (shared here from http://www.bellybelly.com) show the following when doulas support women during labor and delivery:

• 50% fewer Cesarean sections

• Reduction in the use of forceps or vacuum by 40%

• 60% fewer requests for epidurals

• 40% reduction in the use of synthetic oxytocin for inductions or augmentations

• 30% reduction in use of pain medication

• 25% reduction in labor length

• Increased rates of nursing at six weeks post-partum (51% vs. 29%)

• Higher self-esteem (74% vs. 59%), less anxiety (28% vs. 40%) and less depression (10% vs. 23%) at six weeks post-partum

VIRTUAL DOULA SUPPORT & CONSULTATIONS

packages starting at $499

• available to any Mother or family anywhere in the world

• able to provide resources and support in making decisions, answering questions regarding prenatal care, finding a care provider, navigating rights within pregnancy and childbirth, and overall emotional support during one of the most important chapters of your life

• birth prep and Dad Doula class availability

• available via Zoom or FaceTime video call

• differing packages available based on needs - please inquire for more information

All doula services may also be booked individually