Women who experience childbirth can remember details about that birth for a lifetime. She will talk about that experience over and over again, and will likely share her thoughts on birth to future generations. All women would like the story, of the birth of their child, to be one that is fulfilling and moving. Birth is not something you fear. Birth can be empowering, life altering and an experience you will always treasure.

A Doula recognizes the significance of birth in a women’s life. She is well versed in the physiology of birth, and the emotional needs of a women and her partner before, during and after labor. She encourages the couple to explore their birth options, develop a birth plan and establish goals to help them achieve their wishes. She does not take the place of the partner, unless a partner is unavailable. The Doula completes the team by answering questions, giving suggestions and providing supportive care in addition to the care the partner provides. Her goal is to make this an experience for the expectant mom as well as her partner, a very positive, inspiring experience.

We understand that our Doula is not here to make decisions, but to help us know our options. She will not perform any medical procedures; she will provide emotional and physical support only. She will not transport the client due to liabilities. The Doula will not make decisions for us. Doula will assist us to get information necessary to make an informed decision. Doula will not speak to hospital staff on my behalf. Doula will discuss clients concerns with me and suggest options, but I, the client, or my partner will be responsible to speak to hospital staff and the Doula will facilitate. 

Our Doula will provide birth plan information and consultation in person or over the phone. She will provide early labor support as requested. She will remain with us once active labor has begun until one or two hours after the baby is born. As a Doula, she will utilize non-medical support techniques for labor and birth. She will strive to maintain a calm and peaceful birth environment. She will maintain a birth log. Photography of labor, birth and recovery, as allowed by the hospital, is included if desired. She will assist in providing information and supplying emotional support by telephone on breastfeeding and newborn care up to two weeks after the birth. We will hire a postpartum Doula who will provide one to one care after delivery at home and newborn care if we need extra care at home. Our birth Doula can make a referral. 

Birth Doulas:

§ Decrease the overall caesarean rate by 28%

§ Decrease the length of labor by 25%

§ Decrease the oxytocin by 31%

§ Decrease the request for pain med by 9%

§ Decrease the need by forceps by 40%

§ Decreases negative childbirth experience by   34%

§ Help fathers participate with confidence

§ Increase success in breast-feeding

§ Provide greater maternal satisfaction