What is a doula?

I provide three types of doula care: birth, postpartum, and sibling.

Birth doulas build relationships with expectant families to help them have a positive birth experience. We help facilitate conversations between our client and her care provider, provide non-judgmental support for her birth choices, and support the family through labor and birth. We work with our mind, heart, and hands and are a bridge to many other forms of care. (BEST Doula Training)

Postpartum doulas provide informational, emotional, and physical support with breast and bottle feeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery. Light housework, meal preparation, and sibling care is provided on a case by case basis. We are also knowledgeable about perinatal and postpartum health and have a network of other care providers we can refer to as necessary.

Sibling doulas help educate the older children on pregnancy and birth with age appropriate resources. A date night is typically offered so that your children and the doula can spend some time together prior to the birth. Then they provide care for the older child(ren) during your birth, either at the place of birth or at your home.

What are the benefits of hiring a birth doula?

Research shows that having a doula during pregnancy and labor is linked to:

• 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

• 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

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Resource: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

What is the difference in a midwife and a doula?

Midwives are trained licensed professionals and provide healthcare for the pregnant woman and the baby during pregnancy, birth and the immediate postpartum period. Their focus is to ensure a safe birth for both mom and baby.

Birth doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Our focus is on YOU, the person giving birth. We want to help you achieve your best birth experience. Some of the ways we do this are by facilitating communication with you and your healthcare provider, providing comfort measures and knowledge of birthing positions, etc. to keep labor progressing. Postpartum we will visit you in your home and help you process your birth story and ensure you are adjusting well.

How will you advocate for me?

Advocating as a doula looks different for each person. This is how I view my role as an advocate:

I will amplify your voice if you are being ignored, dismissed, or not heard. I will not speak on your behalf. However, I will encourage you and your partner to ask questions and verbalize your preferences. I will create space for you to have ample time to consider what is being presented and make an informed decision. I will also make sure you are aware of what the provider is doing and that you are able to give consent or object.