“Years ago, when women exclusively gave birth at home in the care of skilled midwives, women had their female family members support and guide them. But with the development of obstetrics and hospital births in the last century, women became estranged from the birth process, and family members lost sufficient knowledge and confidence to guide a woman. To fulfill women’s need for birth support in modern times, the professional doula arose in the 1970s and ‘80s. ”
what a doula is…
from the greek doulē meaning “female servant,” a doula is a trained companion who offers continuous support through labor, delivery, loss, and postpartum. Doulas are trained to support the mind, body, and spirit of mothers and their partners.
a doula will offer physical support during labor such as positional changes, counter pressure for pain relief, and breathing techniques. She will support the laboring family emotionally by creating a safe and supportive environment and may offer aid to the partner so that they can feel as involved as they want, and as supported as they also need!
a postpartum doula will offer breastfeeding support and will educate families on typical newborn care. They can be a helpful resource when it comes to navigating postpartum mood disorders and changes. They also can offer services like meal prep, light cleaning, and quality time with older children to help ease the transition of adding a new member to your household.
a doula will also advocate for you! A doula provides evidence based information so that you can make informed decisions. She will amplify the voice of the birthing mother and will work to empower her to be fully involved in the birth and postpartum experience. She will encourage you to ask questions, facilitate conversations, and will offer judgement free support. She will not speak on your behalf or make decisions for you.
what a doula is not…
a doula is not a medical provider. She doesn’t offer medical advice or treatment, and she does not make medical decisions
a doula is not a replacement for the birth partner. She is there to support you, but is not there to take away from the special role you have given your birth partner.
a doula is not there to shame or judge you for your choices. She is also not there to project her experiences and preferences onto you. She is not there to make your decisions or to speak for you.
“Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both mother and baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.”
why hire a doula?
Because whether you choose to birth at home, alone, or in a hospital/birth center, you deserve to understand and realize for yourself that you are capable of doing hard things, and worthy of respect. Your voice matters as you stand firm in your decision to bring life into this world and parent* the next generation of world-changers!
Because the journey you embark on as a mother is one to be honored. There is no right way to give birth, and there is no checklist for postpartum. It is deeply personal, and what is right for one person may not be right for another. You deserve support in whichever way you choose to become a mother. I am here to support you and lend you strength. I am here to cheer you on, validate your decisions, offer encouragement, and evidence based resources to make informed decisions. To assist you in whatever way I can. It doesn’t matter if this is your first or your tenth— you deserve support, and I would love nothing more than to give it!
But don’t just take my word for it.
According to Evidence Based Birth and the DONA International website, having a doula to offer continuos support has been linked to:
-an increase in spontaneous vaginal deliveries
-less likely to recieve pain medication or ask for an epidural
-less likely to require the use of vaccuum or forceps
-decreased need for cesearan
-more likely to have positive feelings about chilbirth
-decreased risk of postpartum depression
In addition to favorable clinical outcomes, the use of a doula has been linked to positive birth experiences that create empowered, confident parents.
graphic from DONA International
*I honor and acknowledge that the term parent is all-encompassing— if you are placing your child for adoption or are choosing to use a surrogate, you are still a parent and you deserve support!
Types of Support
Childbirth Education
Emotional/Spiritual
Early and Active Labor
Position Changes
Herbal/Holistic Information
Postpartum
Bereavement
Evidence Based
Virtual
Informed Consent
