Birth Doulas at a glance
DOULA CARE—Common Questions and Answers
A doula is….a Greek word meaning woman who serves. A doula is a specially trained birth companion that provides labor support, not clinical tasks.
How can a doula help me?
When women have continuous emotional support and physical comfort throughout labor and birth, research shows that they are less likely to give birth by C-section, vacuum extractor or forceps, are less likely to use pain medications, and are more likely to be satisfied with their birth as a positive experience. A positive birth experience means that mother, father, and baby can begin bonding more quickly as well.
Does a doula replace medical staff?
The doula is present at the birth only for the emotional well-being of the mother. Nurses, doctors and midwives may have other priorities that compete with this emotional care: shift changes, clinical responsibilities, hospital policies, and medical procedures. Throughout these changes a doula is a constant force that supports the mother as well as her husband or other labor partners so that they work as a team on the mother’s behalf. A doula makes no decisions, medical or otherwise, for the woman, but supports her in her own decisions.
Does a doula replace the father/birth partner?
The doula can actually bring the couple closer by making sure that the mother’s partner has his/her needs met (food, drink, reassurance, tips on aiding the laboring mother, etc.). The doula allows the partner to participate at his/her own comfort level. If the woman’s husband/partner will be her most active labor coach, a doula can give reassurance to an actively participating partner, offer breaks during a long labor, and make suggestions for comfort measures. If a partner is not as comfortable with labor coaching, the doula is there to be the major emotional support for the woman and her partner can fill in where he/she feels comfortable. The combined contributions of partner, doula, and a competent, considerate and caring staff give the woman the best chance for a positive birth outcome.
A doula is….a Greek word meaning woman who serves. A doula is a specially trained birth companion that provides labor support, not clinical tasks.
How can a doula help me?
When women have continuous emotional support and physical comfort throughout labor and birth, research shows that they are less likely to give birth by C-section, vacuum extractor or forceps, are less likely to use pain medications, and are more likely to be satisfied with their birth as a positive experience. A positive birth experience means that mother, father, and baby can begin bonding more quickly as well.
Does a doula replace medical staff?
The doula is present at the birth only for the emotional well-being of the mother. Nurses, doctors and midwives may have other priorities that compete with this emotional care: shift changes, clinical responsibilities, hospital policies, and medical procedures. Throughout these changes a doula is a constant force that supports the mother as well as her husband or other labor partners so that they work as a team on the mother’s behalf. A doula makes no decisions, medical or otherwise, for the woman, but supports her in her own decisions.
Does a doula replace the father/birth partner?
The doula can actually bring the couple closer by making sure that the mother’s partner has his/her needs met (food, drink, reassurance, tips on aiding the laboring mother, etc.). The doula allows the partner to participate at his/her own comfort level. If the woman’s husband/partner will be her most active labor coach, a doula can give reassurance to an actively participating partner, offer breaks during a long labor, and make suggestions for comfort measures. If a partner is not as comfortable with labor coaching, the doula is there to be the major emotional support for the woman and her partner can fill in where he/she feels comfortable. The combined contributions of partner, doula, and a competent, considerate and caring staff give the woman the best chance for a positive birth outcome.
Services Offered
Lakes Area Birth Routes Doula Services:
What services do you provide?
Once you have chosen your birth doula through a free consultation, the following services are included :
· Telephone contact and 1-3 prenatal meetings to establish a relationship and discuss your birth plans and choices. We may also arrange to attend one of your prenatal appointments with a doctor/midwife, if desired.
· On-call services from 35 weeks on—once labor starts, we are there from the time you need us with you until the baby is born, is successfully feeding, and your family is relaxed!
· Postpartum home or hospital visit including breastfeeding support and tips
· Lending library for education on pregnancy, birth choices, breastfeeding, and parenting
· Use of birth ball, massage tools, etc. during labor
· Unlimited pre– and post-delivery phone/email support for your questions and concerns
· Back-up doula will be on call for your labor if your doula is unavailable for any reason
Our fees for complete doula services are $450. We also have a sliding scale, with special considerations for young and/or single mothers and families on restricted incomes. We also do a limited amount of work pro bono.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, even if you have financial concerns.
We believe every mother deserves a doula.
What services do you provide?
Once you have chosen your birth doula through a free consultation, the following services are included :
· Telephone contact and 1-3 prenatal meetings to establish a relationship and discuss your birth plans and choices. We may also arrange to attend one of your prenatal appointments with a doctor/midwife, if desired.
· On-call services from 35 weeks on—once labor starts, we are there from the time you need us with you until the baby is born, is successfully feeding, and your family is relaxed!
· Postpartum home or hospital visit including breastfeeding support and tips
· Lending library for education on pregnancy, birth choices, breastfeeding, and parenting
· Use of birth ball, massage tools, etc. during labor
· Unlimited pre– and post-delivery phone/email support for your questions and concerns
· Back-up doula will be on call for your labor if your doula is unavailable for any reason
Our fees for complete doula services are $450. We also have a sliding scale, with special considerations for young and/or single mothers and families on restricted incomes. We also do a limited amount of work pro bono.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, even if you have financial concerns.
We believe every mother deserves a doula.
Meet your doulas
Desiree
Desiree is the mother of two young boys. Her first son was born by emergency C-section, which led her to much research and finally to doula training before the birth of her second son. With the knowledge acquired from this training and support from the doula community she delivered her second son by VBAC. She wants all women to have the same information and support that she so kindly received. Desiree has completed certification through DONA International, the premier doula organization.
Sonya
Sonya is the mother of two children, both born at home by midwife-assisted unmedicated births. In addition to being a DONA-certified doula, she is apprenticing in traditional midwifery and is certified as a Bradley(R) Method teacher (natural childbirth education). Sonya is passionate about offering women choices in birth and supporting their natural abilities to bring children into the world happily and healthfully.
Desiree is the mother of two young boys. Her first son was born by emergency C-section, which led her to much research and finally to doula training before the birth of her second son. With the knowledge acquired from this training and support from the doula community she delivered her second son by VBAC. She wants all women to have the same information and support that she so kindly received. Desiree has completed certification through DONA International, the premier doula organization.
Sonya
Sonya is the mother of two children, both born at home by midwife-assisted unmedicated births. In addition to being a DONA-certified doula, she is apprenticing in traditional midwifery and is certified as a Bradley(R) Method teacher (natural childbirth education). Sonya is passionate about offering women choices in birth and supporting their natural abilities to bring children into the world happily and healthfully.