Why get a Doula?

Why get a doula?

Birth offers a unique opportunity for women to reclaim their bodies in a safe and supported space. I believe that an empowering birth experience has enormous potential to help women heal. Having the right team in place to support you can be helpful in turning your birth into a powerful opportunity to reclaim the body as a safe space.

What’s a doula?

A doula accompanies women in labor to help them have an emotionally supported birth experience. In addition to providing emotional and physical support, she bridges gaps in communication with the staff to ensure the client has all the information necessary to make informed decisions during her labor.  A doula can provide reassurance and perspective to laboring women and their partners, making suggestions for labor progress, and helping with relaxation, massage, and positioning. Doulas are independent and self-employed. Your doula works for you, not your hospital or caregiver.

What do I do when I go into labor?

When contractions start, it’s a good idea to give your doula a call, even if you do not yet need support. We can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. At this point, together you and your doula will decide if you need immediate assistance or if we should wait for further change. We will also decide where to meet—at your home or the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, your doula will remain with you throughout your labor and birth. This constant and unwavering support is part of the benefit of hiring a doula.

What happens after the birth?

Every doula is different, but your doula will typically remain with you for one to two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. We can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary. If the mother is not accompanied by a partner or family member, the doula will assist in coordination of mom and baby coming home from the hospital.

How about postpartum?

Your doula is available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth of your baby, and would like to get together with you within one to two weeks to see how you are doing, review the birth, admire your baby, and get feedback from you about our role.