"My husband is my left hand and my doula is my right."
~Doulas Making a Difference
~Doulas Making a Difference
What is a doula?
The word doula is a Greek word that means women’s servant. Women have been serving other women in childbirth for centuries and have proven that this support from another woman has positive effects on the labor process. A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical and informational support to the woman who is expecting, in labor or has recently given birth. The doula's role is to help women have a safe, memorable and empowering birthing experience. |
Benefits of having a doula:
When a doula was present, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and reported having a more positive childbirth experience. Having a doula as part of your birth team: ~Reduces the need for C-section by 50% ~Shortens Labor Time by 25% ~Reduces Epidural Requests by 60% ~Reduces the use of oxytocin (Pitocin) by 40% |
What do I do as your doula?
As your doula, I am available to support you in any way I can before, during and after your labor to help ensure a safe, satisfying and beautiful birth experience. Regardless of the type of birth you desire, natural or with pain medication, I can provide support and advocacy. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your husband, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. Whatever you may need, a back massage, foot rub, a glass of water, gentle encouragement or strong refocus I am present for you and your family. I do not take the place of Dad, I am present to support the both of you...I flow with the dance of labor you create and have with your partner. I am present at your labor and birth to support, encourage and nurture you during this amazing time in your life. |