Why hire a labor doula?
Studies show that having a doula can:
• Reduce the need for medical interventions such as:
– analgesic use (up to 35%),
– pitocin/oxytocin for induction of labor (up to 71%),
– epidurals (up to 60%)
– c-sections (by almost 51%)
• Overall, labor can be shortened in length (by an average of 25%)
• Babies are healthier and breastfeed more easily
• Mothers report they are more satisfied with their birth experience
But more than this, a doula is someone who is caring for where your heart is and will be there to encourage and remind you of what your heart is for your birth. I truly believe that a well-informed couple is able to make choices that are right for them when the time comes to make it. Because of this, you are not left with residue of regret from your birth journey.
A doula's goal is to help you become informed about your own body's ability to have a baby and your husband's ability to support you in that journey. I am there so that he can feel supported as well. I am not there to take over his position, but to give him that freedom to be "with" you in the journey in whatever way the two of you decide, knowing that there is another person who can ebb and flow with what that looks like.
Dads and doulas
When it comes to pregnancy, birth and parenting, today's father wants to share everything with his partner. He wants to be actively involved; ease his partner's labor pain, welcome his baby at the moment of birth and help care for his newborn at home. A labor doula can help a father experience this special time with confidence.
The father's presence and loving support in childbirth is comforting and reassuring. The love he shares with the mother and his child, his needs to nurture and protect his family are priceless gifts that only he can provide. With her partner and a doula at birth a mother can have the best of both worlds: her partner's loving care and attention and the doula's expertise and guidance in childbirth.
For more information, download the "Dads and Doulas" information sheet from DONA.
What does a postpartum doula do?
As a postpartum doula, I provide non-medical physical and emotional support and
household assistance after the birth of your baby. I have received training approved by
DONA (Doulas of North America), CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association), as well as drawing on my years of experience in childcare and as a nanny.
My goal is to help you with self-care recovery measures and assist you with the care and feeding of your new baby, including breastfeeding assistance or recourse information, bathing and comfort measures. I do not take over care of your baby, but assist you other ways so that you can focus on care for your baby's needs yourself. I will provide childcare during naps so that parents can get some much-needed rest. I can also assist you and your partner in developing a postpartum plan to target your needs. This can be done during the prenatal period of your pregnancy. It often helps to do this so that others who may want to assist you (friends and family) have a better idea of your needs. It also helps me to know as your postpartum doula what areas I can be focusing on to best support you and your family.
I will also be glad to assist with light housekeeping including some laundry, household organization (can be done prior to birth), cooking as needed and errands as needed. If more in-depth household cleaning is needed, I can refer quality and reliable companies to do that for either short-term or long-term needs. |
