What is a Doula?
The word “doula” comes from the greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now a term used to describe a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous support, both physical and emotional, to the mother before, during, and after the birth. Studies show that women who choose to have a Doula present for their birth have labors that are shorter, with fewer complications, and their ceserean rate his substantially lower .
As your Doula:
• I will provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.
• My phone will be available to call or text from week 36 until two weeks postpartum.
• You will be provided support from an experienced and trained person who understands and trusts the process of birth.
• I will offer physical suggestions to make pregnancy and childbirth more comfortable
• I will help you in preparing a birth plan
• I will bring "my bag of tricks" to your labor. My bag is full of tools helpful to provide non-pharmalogical pain relief measures during labor and birth
• I will help facilitate the birth experience for the parents, baby, and primary care providers.
• I will gladly be the liaison between members of laboring woman's birth team, care givers and family members which will allow momma to relax
• I will offer positioning suggestions during labor and birth
• I will support your partner so that they can provide support and encouragement to the momma in labor
• I will explain possible interventions and procedures should they arise in labor and birth allowing momma to make informed decisions
• I will assist momma and baby with breastfeeding immediately after birth
• I will be present during entire labor and afterwards as long as I am needed by momma.
• I will capture as much of your birth in photographs as possible. (Please note that my main concern is momma and her comfort. When things seem manageable, I will photograph.)
• Momma will receive the images and rights via Dropbox.
