What is a doula?
The word "doula" is a Greek word meaning "a woman who serves" and now refers to 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.
*Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
What can I expect?Services are flexible depending on the needs of the mother and family. Usually it involves 2 or more visits before the birth to the family assessing their desires. I remain on call for the beginning at about 37 weeks gestation. For labor I am usually with the mother once labor is considered "active" and stay with mother and baby at least until breastfeeding is initiated and mother and baby are comfortable. This is usually between 1.5-2 hours following the birth. I visit the mother and family once or twice following the birth depending on their needs. The cost for services ranges from $250-500 depending on if private classes are also included.
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What is your experience and training?The My affiliation with the Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth includes doula training along with the childbirth educator training. I have currently attended about 25 births through the last 10 years. I have been blessed to have a doula myself with my last birth. My husband is amazing and is irreplaceable but at times the children needed him during my labor or he needs to have a break and my doula was invaluable. I have supported moms of different backgrounds with different goals concerning their births including home and hospital birth. I have been privileged to support mothers in natural, medicated, VBAC and even cesarean births. I strive to support mothers by giving them as much information as possible to make the best decision for their family based on their situation.
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What about the Dad?
My training is in husband-coached childbirth. I strive to enhance the relationship between husband and wife being sensitive to their wishes. If the husband is uncomfortable with being an active part of the birth then I will take a bigger lead. I discuss these possibilities with the couple beforehand but I also encourage lots of preparation so that the husband can feel comfortable supporting his wife through the experience. I love watching husband and wife work seamlessly together. They created this baby together and the act of giving birth is a continuation of their love. I want to honor that relationship and strengthen it.
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