I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experiences to provide physical, emotional, and information support to women and partners throughout pregnancy and labour. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labour as it progress, help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort. A Doula....
Recognizes birth as a key experience a mother will remember all her life
Perceives her role as a protector of the mothers birth space and memory of her experience
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a labouring mother
Assists a woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
Stays with the woman throughout the labour
Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helps the family get the information needed to make informed decisions. Enhances relaxation
Helps with pain management through massage, counter-pressure, positioning, breathing and other techniques
Gives advice during pregnancy like suggestions to make pregnancy more comfortable
Helps with planing for the new arrival
Helps with the initial breastfeeding
Lowers the chance of C-section and other medical interventions
Helps you to have a shorter labour
Can take photos of the birth and labour process
Allows the mothers partner to participate at his/her comfort level. Lets your partner be the best support they can be! Doulas Do Not....
Perform clinical tasks
Make decisions for you
Speak to the medical staff on your behalf
Push personal beliefs on you
Does NOT take over your partners role
Rates
I am in the training and certification process. Until I am certified all births that qualify towards my certification will be a discounted fee of $100. Births that do not qualify I will charge a fee of $200, I ask for a deposit of $100 when you decide to hire me. Some reasons people choose to hire a doula. Birth Doulas Enhance the Birth Experience:
You’ll never forget the birth of your children. The birth doula’s role in labor and delivery is to anticipate your needs and help carry out your wishes. The birth doula is there to provide continual physical and emotional support. Assistance with Creating and Maintaining a “Birth Plan”:
A birth plan is a document that spells out in writing your wishes for your labor and delivery. A birth doula can help an expectant mother create her birth plan. Once the woman is in labor, the birth doula would be there to support and encourage the woman, according to her wishes. The birth doula, however, is not in the position to make demands on your behalf. The birth doula also can not force you to adhere to your birth plan or withhold pain medication. The birth doula’s role is to encourage you the best they can, to follow your wishes. Enhance the Birth Experience for Expectant Partners:
A birth doula is not there to take the place of the partner. With the doula’s experience, they are better able to assist the partner and guide them on ways to better assist the labouring mother. The doula and the partner’s roles compliment each other. Full One on One Care/Support:
Many people believe they will receive all the care and attention they will need from their doctors and nurses. If you’re planning a hospital birth, chances are, you will not be the only patient. Doctors and nurses are there to monitor your health and labour progress along with every other labouring mom. The birth doula is there solely for you. They do not work with other moms while you’re in labor. Doulas also do not work in shifts. You will have the same doula at your side for the entire birth experience. Decrease Use of Pain Medication:
Many expectant moms choose to forego the use of pain medication during childbirth. The doula’s role is to assist and encourage the birthing mother the best they can to adhere to those wishes. The continual physical and emotional support offered helps labouring moms cope with the pain and discomfort, making labour pain management much more likely without the use of drugs. Assists with Breast Feeding:
For those who choose to breast feed, research has indicated that women who choose birth doulas have a better success rate with breast feeding then those who do not. The doula is there to offer guidance and support with breast feeding per their training and education. Decreased Incidence of Post Partum Depression:
Women who use birth doulas appear to have more confidence and feel empowered by their birth experience. A common complaint from women who have/had suffered from post partum depression is unsatisfactory or complicated births. We already know that birth doulas can play a role in overall childbirth satisfaction. Birth Doulas Assist with Communication:
While birth doula can not give medical advice, perform diagnostic tests or diagnose problems, they can, however, promote positive communication between you, your partner and the hospital staff. Many women feel overwhelmed or helpless during labor. The birth doula’s role is to help be your advocate. Birth Doulas are Relatively Low Cost and Recommended:
Clinical researches as well as major health organizations recommend continual labor support. Birth doulas are shown to reduce labour times and improve the overall satisfaction of the birth experience.
