A doula, also referred to as a
labour assistant or a woman trained in labour and birth. A doula informs the parents about medical
interventions in all birth settings, including risks and benefits, and allows them to make an
informed decision. She joins a woman
early in labor and assists her with pain management including massage,
visualization, relaxation, and aromatherapy. She provides encouragement
and constant support throughout the entire labor and delivery to both
mother and father/partner.
"As your doula I will inform you of all the different birthing options with no bias. I will do my best to make you feel safe and confident in your birth experience. No matter your life situation, my job is to support you in your transition into motherhood."
In order to have a positive birth experience, most women need continuous labor support. Although obstetrical nurses are experienced in dealing with a laboring woman's emotional and physical needs, they can seldom guarantee the support they provide will last throughout the labour - especially in hospital settings where shift changes, coffee breaks, heavy paperwork and busy nights regularly occur. Some OB nurses handle up to six laboring couples at a time. Midwives may be able to offer more labour support, but they too have clinical duties to which they must attend.The father or partner may be better able to provide continuous support but has little actual experience in dealing with the forces of labour.
1 prenatal massage
2 hour Birth Planning Meeting
Prenatal office visit with health care provider [optional]
2 hour Partner preparation meeting
Phone support
Breathing guidance, comfort measures and coaching
Birth support throughout your entire birth and 1-2 hours post-birth (up to 15 hours and $15 per additional hour to be paid at postpartum visit)
Breastfeeding support
1 Postpartum Self-care session for mom and baby [5-10 days after birth)
We can then add other modalities to make a custom doula package including:
Nutritional Consults with an Applied Clinical Nutritionist
Herbal Consults with an Herbalist
Pre and Post-natal Massages
Infant Massage
Postpartum Closing Ceremony
After birth a women can sometimes feel open or vulnerable. This closing ceremony helps women physically and emotionally come back from pregnancy and adjust to their new role as a mother. I like to start with clearing and setting the space using chimes, sonaja (Aztec noise makers) or smoke. We'll talk about your birth experience. I then proceed with a postpartum massage. Including a belly massage thanking your body for it's hard work. I then finish with binding the women from feet to head using a rebozo(scarf). Paying special attention to the hips. Because women's bones are softer and more fragile afterbirth they can literally feel the hips close while binding.
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There are several benefits of having a doula at your birth. Published studies have shown, that women who have a doula benefit by:
A 50% reduction in their chance of having a cesarean
A 60% reduction in the use of epidural anesthesia and 30% reduction in the use of narcotics
A 40% reduction in the use of Pitocin (the synthetic version of oxytocin)
A 25% reduction in the time of labor
A 40% reduction in the use of forceps and vacuum extraction
There is also evidence of:
Reduced chances of health complications and hospitalizations of baby
Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection
Reduced maternal bleeding following birth
Increased chances of successful breastfeeding
Reduced incidence of post-partum depression
Reduced levels of anxiety
Result in a more positive birth experience
Mothers feel more in control
Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth
Mothers have higher regard and
increased sensitivity towards babies
Mothers feel more secure
