South Bay's Pregnancy & Birth Concierge
What is Doula?
Doula is a Greek word for “woman’s servant.”
A birth doula (Professional Labor Support) is a supportive companion professionally trained to provide physical, informational and emotional support during labor and birth.
She is a valuable part of your birth unit and teams up with your partner so that you have the most comprehensive care during labor and delivery.
A doula provides continuous support, beginning during early or Active Labor, through birth, and for approximately 2 hours following the birth. The doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning, and massage.
She also assists families with gathering information about the course of labor and their options. Her most critical role is providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort.
Doulas attend home births and hospital births; medicated births and un-medicated births, with women whose care is being overseen by doctors or midwives. Doulas may be the only support person for the mother, or may be part of a labor support team including mom’s partner, friend(s), and/or family members.
Doulas specialize in non-medical skills, and do not perform clinical tasks, or diagnose medical conditions. They do not make decisions for their clients. Their goal is to provide the support and information needed to help the birthing mother have a safe and satisfying birth as the mother defines it.
Proven Benefits of Doula-Supported Childbirth
Decreased Medical Intervention in Labor*:
Reduces need for Cesarean-Section by 50%
Reduces length of labor by 25%
Reduces use of artificial oxytocin by 40%
Reduces pain medication use by 30%
Reduces the need for forceps/vacuum extraction by 40%
Reduces epidural requests by 60%
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
Less anxious and depressed
Had more confidence with baby
More satisfied w/ partner (71% vs 30%)
More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)
*These statistics appear in “A Doula Makes the Difference” by Nugent in Mothering Magazine, March-April 1998. For more about the research, see http://www.dona.org/publications/position_paper_birth.php
**Study cited in “The Doula” by Klaus in Childbirth Instructor Magazine, Spring 1995
A birth doula (Professional Labor Support) is a supportive companion professionally trained to provide physical, informational and emotional support during labor and birth.
She is a valuable part of your birth unit and teams up with your partner so that you have the most comprehensive care during labor and delivery.
A doula provides continuous support, beginning during early or Active Labor, through birth, and for approximately 2 hours following the birth. The doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning, and massage.
She also assists families with gathering information about the course of labor and their options. Her most critical role is providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort.
Doulas attend home births and hospital births; medicated births and un-medicated births, with women whose care is being overseen by doctors or midwives. Doulas may be the only support person for the mother, or may be part of a labor support team including mom’s partner, friend(s), and/or family members.
Doulas specialize in non-medical skills, and do not perform clinical tasks, or diagnose medical conditions. They do not make decisions for their clients. Their goal is to provide the support and information needed to help the birthing mother have a safe and satisfying birth as the mother defines it.
Proven Benefits of Doula-Supported Childbirth
Decreased Medical Intervention in Labor*:
Reduces need for Cesarean-Section by 50%
Reduces length of labor by 25%
Reduces use of artificial oxytocin by 40%
Reduces pain medication use by 30%
Reduces the need for forceps/vacuum extraction by 40%
Reduces epidural requests by 60%
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
Less anxious and depressed
Had more confidence with baby
More satisfied w/ partner (71% vs 30%)
More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)
*These statistics appear in “A Doula Makes the Difference” by Nugent in Mothering Magazine, March-April 1998. For more about the research, see http://www.dona.org/publications/position_paper_birth.php
**Study cited in “The Doula” by Klaus in Childbirth Instructor Magazine, Spring 1995
Serenity Birth Doula Package Includes…
Prenatal Care
* Free Initial Consultation and 2 in-person prenatal visits
* Childbirth Education Overview w/birth prep handouts Guidance in creating and planning for your unique birth vision
* Assistance with and preparation of a Birth Plan that works
* Breastfeeding preparation and information
* Access to network group & meet new moms on Face Book - “Patricia’s Yoga Mamas”
* Extensive book and video lending library and birth and breastfeeding resources list
* Unlimited telephone support and advice throughout pregnancy and early postpartum
* References to local Practitioners
Labor/Birth Care
* Suggestions for a more comfortable pregnancy and birth
* Alternative relief measures for morning sickness and other discomforts during pregnancy
* Massage and other alternative pain relief measures during labor
* Continuous, uninterrupted support throughout labor and birth and immediate postpartum * Labor and birth positioning suggestions for comfort and labor progress
* Help to create a calming and peaceful birth atmosphere for mother and partner whether hospital or home birth
* Explanation of any proposed interventions and guidance with communication, so informed decisions can be made
* Therapeutic aromatherapy and massage during labor Reiki during labor (if requested)
* Labor and newborn (at birth) digital photography upon request
* Guaranteed backup doulas
Postpartum Care
* Following the birth, immediate postpartum support and assistance latching baby for breastfeeding (the Golden Hour)
* 1 Postnatal visit within 1-2 weeks to reflect on the birth
* Thorough typed Labor Account of Events record of the Birth
* Ability to come and listen to live Birth Stories & also share your own birth story
* Assistance with Insurance Claim Forms for reimbursement
* Handmade Baby gift given at postpartum meeting
* Continued phone and email support for s long as needed...& maybe I'll be at your next birth
