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Birth/Labor Doula Services
I provide caring, dependable service
for mothers and their families. What is a Doula? A trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical,
emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical
support during the postpartum period. Studies
have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed
more easily. Regardless of which style of birth you are interested in (Natural Childbirth, Home Birth, Water Birth, VBAC,
Hypnobirth, Epidural Birth) having a birth doula will help to shorten labor and pushing time, provide more physical and emotional
comfort, aid you in the establishment of breastfeeding, and lower your risk of postpartum depression.
A
Birth Doula Recognizes birth as a key experience the
mother will remember all her life Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor Assists the woman in
preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth Stays with the woman throughout the labor Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping
the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
Perceives her role as nurturing
and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
- from www.dona.org
Did You Know That Birth Doula Services Might be Covered by Your Health Insurance?
Why
a Birth Doula?* Shorter
labor (in length of hours) Lower
c-section rate Less
requests for an epidural Less
need for oxytocin, forceps, anesthesia Higher
breastfeeding rate Better
relationship with partner following birth
*as
shown by medical studies, taken from Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Klaus & Kennel
Birth Doula Services Include: We provide caring, continuous support to women and their families, before, during and following birth.
In homes, birthing
centers or hospitals, we provide calm and gentle, non-judgemental support and information. Free
Consultation to discuss your needs and answer any questions A minimum of two prenatal visits to answer questions, help finalize birth plan, discuss and practice soothing
measures and get to know one another Continuous
phone, text, email access to answer questions or clarify birth plans Borrow books from the Birth & Parenting Library Continuous care during labor & birth Provide a caring touch, soothing massage, and educated information throughout
the labor process; such as labor positions, explanations of medical procedures, etc. Support you in your birth choices, along with your midwife, doctor, nurses,
and family Following the birth, I
will assist you in establishing breastfeeding, and ensure that any and all questions are answered Photograph the new family after delivery Follow up visit to address any concerns (breastfeeding,
child care, etc.), provide referrals, and check on mother and baby
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