What is a doula? Why would I want a doula at my birth?
A doula is a person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman in labor and her partner. A doula acts as an advocate for the mother and helps the mother communicate most effectively with her caregiver. Because a doula is not a medical care provider, she does not perform any clinical tasks and is able to devote all of her attention to the mother. This allows the doula to give the mother constant support throughout her labor and birth.
The constant support of a doula allows a client's partner to become involved in the birth process to the extent that they are comfortable. Doulas can help the partner by suggesting ways that the partner can support and encourage the mother. By using a variety of comfort measures, the doula can help the mother feel more comfortable and relaxed as she labors. The doula can suggest position changes and other techniques that can lead to shorter labors or more effective pushing. Ultimately, this can help reduce the number of interventions in the birth and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
The doula’s primary responsibility is to her clients. This means providing information to the mother and her partner in the prenatal period and encouraging her to discuss concerns with her care provider. This also means explaining procedures to the mother so that she is fully aware of what to expect during her birth. A doula can provide emotional support to the mother and also help the partner to be most effective in their support as well. This continues from the pregnancy, throughout the labor and birth, and into the postpartum period. The doula can offer resources and information for the client and her partner to assist her with any concerns that she may have as a new mother.
Every mother who desires a doula should have one present at her birth. In addition to the many benefits for the mother and baby, the doula’s presence simply helps the mother have a better birth experience. By providing encouragement, nurturing, and support the doula helps meet the various needs of a new mother. The continuing reassurance of a doula during the prenatal and postpartum period can help ease the transition into motherhood. The doula can truly help make every experience a birth to remember.
The constant support of a doula allows a client's partner to become involved in the birth process to the extent that they are comfortable. Doulas can help the partner by suggesting ways that the partner can support and encourage the mother. By using a variety of comfort measures, the doula can help the mother feel more comfortable and relaxed as she labors. The doula can suggest position changes and other techniques that can lead to shorter labors or more effective pushing. Ultimately, this can help reduce the number of interventions in the birth and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
The doula’s primary responsibility is to her clients. This means providing information to the mother and her partner in the prenatal period and encouraging her to discuss concerns with her care provider. This also means explaining procedures to the mother so that she is fully aware of what to expect during her birth. A doula can provide emotional support to the mother and also help the partner to be most effective in their support as well. This continues from the pregnancy, throughout the labor and birth, and into the postpartum period. The doula can offer resources and information for the client and her partner to assist her with any concerns that she may have as a new mother.
Every mother who desires a doula should have one present at her birth. In addition to the many benefits for the mother and baby, the doula’s presence simply helps the mother have a better birth experience. By providing encouragement, nurturing, and support the doula helps meet the various needs of a new mother. The continuing reassurance of a doula during the prenatal and postpartum period can help ease the transition into motherhood. The doula can truly help make every experience a birth to remember.
Prenatal Support• One prenatal visit in your home to discuss your history and desires for your birth
• Assistance in creating a birth plan, if desired • Information and education about the birth process, including applicable referrals to local resources |
Labor Support• On call availability 24 hours a day beginning at 36 weeks gestation
• Continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor and birth • Backup doula service included in case of emergency |
Postpartum Support• Immediate postpartum support after the birth, including assistance with establishing breastfeeding
• One postpartum visit in your home to discuss the birth, assist with breastfeeding, and answer any questions • Information and education about the postpartum period, including applicable referrals to local resources |
