If a woman doesn't look like a goddess during labor, then someone isn't treating her right. -Ina May Gaskin
"I'm a Doula." "A dou-what?"
The word Doula comes from the greek word for a "hand-maiden" or a woman who serves.*
One of the best ways I've heard someone describe a Doula was to compare her to a wedding planner. Think about all of the preparation that goes into the Big Day and how helpful it would be to have someone who knows exactly how you desire your day to go. They know where the floral arrangements go, all the vendors' phone numbers, and have that breath mint and hairspray for the moments you need them. That is essentially what you are getting with a Doula. A helper who knows when to assist and encourage you and also when to step back and let you and your partner cherish the moments of welcoming your little one from belly to beloved.
As a Doula, my job is to respect your desires for your birth. I provide education, emotional support, physical comfort and advocacy for the individual mother's needs and wishes. I do not provide medical advice or make decisions for you. However, I can help you walk through the decision making process and provide resources to help answer questions you have about labor and newborn care. If you are interested in the history and additional aspects of Doula care please feel free to take a look at the video below.
Just a few benefits of having a Doula
Women who used a Doula at their birth:
6 weeks after birth, mothers who used doulas were:
Having continuous labor support from a birth Doula has shown to reduce the rate of cesarean delivery, use of interventions, and most importantly, improve maternal satisfaction.*
*These results were found in “Continuous support for women during childbirth.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2011.
The word Doula comes from the greek word for a "hand-maiden" or a woman who serves.*
One of the best ways I've heard someone describe a Doula was to compare her to a wedding planner. Think about all of the preparation that goes into the Big Day and how helpful it would be to have someone who knows exactly how you desire your day to go. They know where the floral arrangements go, all the vendors' phone numbers, and have that breath mint and hairspray for the moments you need them. That is essentially what you are getting with a Doula. A helper who knows when to assist and encourage you and also when to step back and let you and your partner cherish the moments of welcoming your little one from belly to beloved.
As a Doula, my job is to respect your desires for your birth. I provide education, emotional support, physical comfort and advocacy for the individual mother's needs and wishes. I do not provide medical advice or make decisions for you. However, I can help you walk through the decision making process and provide resources to help answer questions you have about labor and newborn care. If you are interested in the history and additional aspects of Doula care please feel free to take a look at the video below.
Just a few benefits of having a Doula
Women who used a Doula at their birth:
- More often gave birth without the use of a vacuum, forceps or cesarean delivery
- More often gave birth without pain medication
- Reported less negative feelings about their childbirth experience
6 weeks after birth, mothers who used doulas were:
- Less anxious and depressed
- Had more confidence with their infant
- More satisfied with their partner
- More likely to be breastfeeding
Having continuous labor support from a birth Doula has shown to reduce the rate of cesarean delivery, use of interventions, and most importantly, improve maternal satisfaction.*
*These results were found in “Continuous support for women during childbirth.” The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2011.