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 Welcome  Are you looking for a doula to support you during labor and birth? Are you unsure of exactly what a doula is/does? The word doula comes from the Ancient Greek word, doulē, and refers to a woman of service. A birth doula provides: Continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during labor and childbirth; support from a professional care provider who understands, and trusts the process of birth, and who helps facilitate the birth experience for the parents, baby, and primary care providers; explanations of medical procedures and interventions; emotional support; advice during pregnancy; exercise and physical suggestions to make pregnancy and childbirth more comfortable; help with preparation of a birth plan; facilitation of communication between members of laboring woman's birth team; massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures, aromatherapy, etc.; positioning suggestions during labor and birth; support to the partner so that s/he can provide support and encouragement to the laboring woman; help to avoid unnecessary interventions; help with breastfeeding preparation and beginning; a written record of the birth (birth notes or birth story); and is present during entire labor and afterwards as long as is needed by parent(s). Studies have found that birth companions, of which doulas are one type, offer numerous benefits both to the mother and child. Women with support have a reduction in the duration of labor, less use of pain relief medications, lower rates of operative vaginal delivery, and in many studies a reduction in caesarian deliveries. Newborns in supported births have lower rates of fetal distress and fewer are admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU). In addition, one study found that 6 weeks after delivery, a greater proportion of doula-supported women, compared to a control group, were breastfeeding, and these women reported greater self-esteem, less depression, and a higher regard for their babies and their ability to care for them. One study found doula support without childbirth classes to be more helpful than childbirth classes alone, as measured by levels of emotional distress and self-esteem evaluated at an interview 4 months after birth. In particular, it was noted that women in the doula-supported group reported their infants as less fussy than the group attending childbirth class without any doula support. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doula) What do the statistics look like when labor and birth are supported by a doula? - 50% reduction in cesarean rate - 25% shorter labor - 60% reduction in epidural requests - 30% reduction in analgesia use - 40% reduction in forceps delivery - 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use (from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus) Overall, families who receive support from a doula tend to feel more secure and cared for, be more successful in adapting to new family dynamics, have greater success with breastfeeding, have greater self-confidence, and have less postpartum depression symptoms. In addition, partners tend to have more confidence in their ability to assist in the birth. ********************************************************* Personally, as your birth doula, I am prepared to offer 2-3 prenatal consultations; support over the phone and via email before and after birth; help writing a birth plan (if you desire); information on labor, birth, and medical procedures; 24/7 on-call status beginning at your 37th week of pregnancy; constant hands-on support during labor, birth, and early postpartum (whether in the hospital, at the birthing center, or at home); help with comfort measures during labor such as breathing, counter pressure, massage, use of birth ball, and helpful positions; support to the father/partner with his/her role; assistance with establishing breastfeeding; birth notes; and a postpartum visit. Additionally, I can also do belly casts, which are a special and fun way to remember your glorious pregnant belly! Contact me if you are interested, and I'll be happy to set up a free consultation to discuss your wishes for your birth, along with my services and fees.
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