What is a Birth Doula?a is a Greek word meaning "woman servant". A Birth Doula r
Doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant". A Birth Doula refers to a supportive companion, professionallly trained and experienced in childbirth. The Doula's role is to provide physical, emotional and informational support to women and their partners during the prenatal period, during labor and birth. A Doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, massage and postioning. A Doula role is to nurture and protect a woman's memory of her birth.
What is a Postpartum Doula?                                                

A Postpartum Doula assists the mother and family during the transition after the birth of a baby. She is present in the family home to nurture the mother and to help her and the father to become confident in their ability to care for their new family member. She is trained to help siblings adjust with the new arrival and assist them with their new role as the older brother or sister. She is able to assist with household organization, breastfeeding needs, light housework and infant care. The Postpartum Doula is trained to support you emotionally during a very vulnerable time.  She comes prepared with educational information and practical guidance to ensure a successful transformation into a New Family.

Why Do I Need a Doula? 

Today, the reality is that many women experience birth in unfamiliar settings, without constant reassurance. Since a birth doula is present for the entire birth, she is a constant presence that can help relieve some of the strain on the parents. The support and encouragement a birth or postpartum doula provides plays a vital role in childbirth and their adjustment to returning home with their new arrival. Parents that receive support from a doula generally feel more secure and have greater confidence in themselves. They often have less postpartum depression and greater success with breastfeeding. These are a just few reasons a doula is so beneficial.  

  What Training is Involved in Becoming a Doula?

• Attend a DONA approved doula workshop
• Read several books from the required reading list and the DONA International Birth/Postpartum Doula Position paper
• Complete one of the following:  Training in Childbirth Education or Midwifery, work experience in Labor & Delivery as a Registered Nurse, observation of a 12-hour Childbirth Education series (not as an expectant parent) or Introduction to Childbearing Class in conjunction with approved birth doula workshop
• Submit one of the following:  Completion of Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor or Community Breastfeeding Educator Training
• Provide doula service to a minimum of three clients (after doula training)
• Document each of the three births with: a Birth Record Sheet, a 500-700 word account of each birth, and a Client Confidentiality Release Form
• Provide good evaluations of your doula services from at least three clients, three care providers and three nurses or midwives (one Healthcare Evaluation for Postpartum Doulas)
• A typewritten essay on the Value and Purpose of Labor Support or Postpartum Doula Support
  

Please Visit the DONA International website for a
complete list of Doula Requirements

When Should I Start Looking For a Doula?

Make sure you allow plenty of time (2-3 months prior to your due date) to start looking for the right doula, although you can start at any time during your pregnancy. Choosing an additional support person is a very important decision, so take your time and make sure you choose the person you and your partner connect with best.

What Role Does a Doula Play if I Get an Epidural?

A doula can and should be supportive of your decision to use an Epidural. She can provide information about when it's a good time to get an Epidural, as well as continuing to provide for your physical needs (blankets, pillows, helping you change positions, and more). When it is time to deliver your baby, she will be helpful in providing suggestions on pushing positions, and pushing techniques.

What is the Cost for our Birth Doula Services?

Birth doula services:  $700.  

For more information see our Doula Services