What is a Doula?
The Greek word for doula means woman caregiver. We now use the word to describe a trained experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her husband or partner continuous emotional suppport, physical support and assistance in obtaining information before, during and just after childbirth.
A birth doula..
...recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
...understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
...assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
...stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
...provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the onformation she needs to make good decisions.
...facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, adn clinical care providers.
...perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of the birth experience.
(from DONA international)
The benefits of doula care indicate:
*50%decrease in cesarian sections
*25%decrease in length of labor
*60%decrease in the request for epidurals
A birth doula..
...recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
...understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
...assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
...stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
...provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the onformation she needs to make good decisions.
...facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, adn clinical care providers.
...perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of the birth experience.
(from DONA international)
The benefits of doula care indicate:
*50%decrease in cesarian sections
*25%decrease in length of labor
*60%decrease in the request for epidurals
Doula services
Labor Doula:
First Meeting;
Are we a good fit for one another? This is a no obligation consultation meeting that lasts usually up to an hour.
Second/Third Meeting:
This is time for the team to be built.
*During this visit we will discuss any past births, fears, concerns, desires, and/or special needs.
*We will go over positions for labor that may work for you.
*Discuss and practice relaxation techniques.
*We will formulate a birth plan that works best for you. Fitted solely to your needs and personality.
The fee is $600 with a $200 deposit.
The deposit is nonrefundable.
The same fee applies for all births regardless of the time I am with you.
First Meeting;
Are we a good fit for one another? This is a no obligation consultation meeting that lasts usually up to an hour.
Second/Third Meeting:
This is time for the team to be built.
*During this visit we will discuss any past births, fears, concerns, desires, and/or special needs.
*We will go over positions for labor that may work for you.
*Discuss and practice relaxation techniques.
*We will formulate a birth plan that works best for you. Fitted solely to your needs and personality.
The fee is $600 with a $200 deposit.
The deposit is nonrefundable.
The same fee applies for all births regardless of the time I am with you.