What can a doula DO for you?
According to DONA International, a doula's presence at a birth has many benefits, including shorter labors with fewer complications, reduced negative feelings about the childbirth experience, reduced need for pitocin, forceps or vacuum extraction, reduced rates of unplanned cesareans, and reduced requests for pain medication and/or epidurals. See informative links to research-based evidence and articles below!
Informational Support
A doula will provide your family with the resources and referrals you need to make the best choices about your birth experience and to receive the best care possible. I maintain a list of medical care providers as well as holistic care providers in the area and I also have a vast library of books, articles and web links related to chilbirth and infant care. Whether you are seeking a new doctor, an acupuncturist, chiropractor or lactation consultant, whether you need help developing your birth plan or you are trying to make a decision about inducing labor or whether to circumcise your son, I can provide you with the necessary information to help you advocate for yourself and make informed choices.
Emotional Support
A doula is there for emotional support throughout your pregnancy and during labor and birth. When you need someone to talk to about any anxiety or pressure you are feeling as you confront the life-changing event of childbirth, your doula can be one of the people you call! I can provide you with resources for mental or emotional support or help you find the best stress-relieving practice for you whether it be prenatal yoga, massage, or guided meditations. I will be there for you throughout your pregnancy and again during your labor and birth to provide you with comfort, positivity, and words of encouragement and affirmation!
Physical Support
A doula provides physical support to a laboring mother through physical touch such as hugs and holding, massage, acupressure and counter pressure techniques, and heat or cold therapy. I will also be there to provide physical support throughout your pregnancy, such as to offer you advice to help relieve physical discomforts you may experience or give you ideas for positioning and exercises for late pregnancy and early labor. I will be by your side, physically, from as early in labor as you need me until after the first hour postpartum.