Why Hire a Birth Doula
A Doula is a Shepard
Tara (Mom to be)
Most folks say "You are a what? And you do what??"
The answer is I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula. I care for women before, during and after birth. A Doula is a professionally trained and educated birth support provider who works with expecting moms and their partners preparing for their upcoming birth. A doula works independently with birthing moms and is separate from and additional to her medical care provider. The origins of doulas can be traced to the beginning of mankind. In nearly every culture throughout history, women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth.
The word doula (dooh-la) is derived from the Greek language, meaning: "woman's caregiver." The continuity of support offered by doulas to laboring women has long been proven to significantly reduce the need for interventions in childbirth. A doula supports labor and birth in a variety of settings — including hospitals, homes, and birth centers. A doula provides an age old service with continuity of care during what is absolutely the most important rite of passage a woman will ever experience in her lifetime! Doulas provide encouragement and education that is invaluable both prenatally and post birth. Many couples who are planning a hospital birth choose to labor in the comfort of their own home for an extended period of time prior to making the transition to their final destination to birth. A doula's experience and presence during that time is a welcomed and valuable asset in the hours leading up to birth.
A doula is an advocate, a resource and an educator. She brings awareness to birthing couples regarding choices in birth location and goals that compliment their lifestyle and beliefs. A doula is present for the entire active labor process supporting a woman emotionally and physically through her journey. She provides physical comfort measures and suggests a variety of techniques and positions that encourage a safe and thoughtful birth experience. Doulas work with partners to support their role as well throughout this life changing event. In a busy world a doula is a guide, an anchor and a shepherd to birthing couples and their families.
Birth in our culture has been greatly effected by the timely and efficient stream of technology. Laboring moms are bombarded with pressure to progress in fast environments that do not support the innate ability that safe birth requires. It is important to realize that safe birth is the business of all of us! There is nothing more important in our world than the safety and wellness of healthy moms and healthy babies…and it all starts with birth.
The answer is I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula. I care for women before, during and after birth. A Doula is a professionally trained and educated birth support provider who works with expecting moms and their partners preparing for their upcoming birth. A doula works independently with birthing moms and is separate from and additional to her medical care provider. The origins of doulas can be traced to the beginning of mankind. In nearly every culture throughout history, women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth.
The word doula (dooh-la) is derived from the Greek language, meaning: "woman's caregiver." The continuity of support offered by doulas to laboring women has long been proven to significantly reduce the need for interventions in childbirth. A doula supports labor and birth in a variety of settings — including hospitals, homes, and birth centers. A doula provides an age old service with continuity of care during what is absolutely the most important rite of passage a woman will ever experience in her lifetime! Doulas provide encouragement and education that is invaluable both prenatally and post birth. Many couples who are planning a hospital birth choose to labor in the comfort of their own home for an extended period of time prior to making the transition to their final destination to birth. A doula's experience and presence during that time is a welcomed and valuable asset in the hours leading up to birth.
A doula is an advocate, a resource and an educator. She brings awareness to birthing couples regarding choices in birth location and goals that compliment their lifestyle and beliefs. A doula is present for the entire active labor process supporting a woman emotionally and physically through her journey. She provides physical comfort measures and suggests a variety of techniques and positions that encourage a safe and thoughtful birth experience. Doulas work with partners to support their role as well throughout this life changing event. In a busy world a doula is a guide, an anchor and a shepherd to birthing couples and their families.
Birth in our culture has been greatly effected by the timely and efficient stream of technology. Laboring moms are bombarded with pressure to progress in fast environments that do not support the innate ability that safe birth requires. It is important to realize that safe birth is the business of all of us! There is nothing more important in our world than the safety and wellness of healthy moms and healthy babies…and it all starts with birth.
Birth Doula services I provide:
Lara & Baby Ava ( photo credits Bryan/dad )
I offer labor and birth doula services including but not limited to:
Contact me to set up a free consultation to learn more about my work and how I may serve you on your amazing journey into motherhood !
Please take a moment to view this video created by the DONA doula organization.
- One free consultation to learn about your options and to meet me in person
- Phone and email support after hire date
- Two prenatal visits in your home, generally near 32 weeks and 36 weeks
- Assist in preparing a birth preference list (birth plan)
- Discuss how each member of the birth team will work together
- Discuss comfort measures and relaxation techniques
- Provide information and reassurance as your pregnancy advances
- On call 24/7 as your birth time approaches
- Provide continual emotional and physical support for the duration of labor and birth
- Recognize and respect the partner’s role in childbirth
- Introduce ways the partner can administer support and comfort measures
- Provide assistance & support after birth for at least 1-2 hours
- Assist with initial breastfeeding post-birth.
- One week postpartum visit in your home
- Provide information and resources for postpartum wellness and newborn care.
- Back up Doula options (in the unlikely event this is needed)
- Additional visits and services can be arranged and customized based on your needs. (for an additional charge)
Contact me to set up a free consultation to learn more about my work and how I may serve you on your amazing journey into motherhood !
Please take a moment to view this video created by the DONA doula organization.