A doula is a woman trained in experiencing childbirth, who accompanies a woman in labor.
A Doula uses comfort measures such as, breathing, movement, relaxation techniques,
massage, and positioning to ease pain and aid in the progression of labor.
As your Doula, I will assist you before, during, and after birth by providing information as well as physical and emotional support. I will be by your side through your entire labor. I will help your birth partner and/or team to feel more comfortable supporting you during labor. And I will help facilitate communication between you and your medical team
Prior to labor, I will work with you to develop a birth plan and teach you to be an advocate for your medical care.
During the postpartum period, I will be there to discuss the birth experience and provide guidance and support with feeding.
What can having a Doula do for you?
Studies have shown that labor with a Doula results in:
60% Reduction in the use of epidurals
50% Reduction in the rate of c-sections
40% Reduction in the use of pitocin
40% Reduction in forceps delivery
30% Reduction in the use of pain medication
AND 25% shorter labors.
Having a Doula can help you to have a more positive birth experience, reduce your anxiety, and reduce your risk of postpartum depression.
Having a Doula can also help your partner to feel more confident and involved with your labor.
60% Reduction in the use of epidurals
50% Reduction in the rate of c-sections
40% Reduction in the use of pitocin
40% Reduction in forceps delivery
30% Reduction in the use of pain medication
AND 25% shorter labors.
Having a Doula can help you to have a more positive birth experience, reduce your anxiety, and reduce your risk of postpartum depression.
Having a Doula can also help your partner to feel more confident and involved with your labor.
A Doula is not a medical providor
As a Doula I will not:
- Perform clinical tasks such as taking blood pressure or checking cervical dilation.
- Speak to medical staff on your behalf, however I can remind you of your birth preferences and help you and your partner phrase your concerns or desires to the staff.
- Make medical decisions for you.
- Pressure you to have a birth you don't want, not during prenatal visits nor during birth. I will not judge you for any birthing decisions you make. This is your birth, not mine.
- Take over your partner's role. I w[ll take the pressure off of him so he is free to support you in a way that works best for you. I will also support him physically by making sure he takes bathroom breaks and stays hydrated and nourished.
- Take over your role as decision maker. It's my job to support you, no matter how you give birth.
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