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A Doula accompanies a woman in labor, mothers the mother, and takes care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. She provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of the birth. A postpartum Doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics. "What is a Doula?" 14 August 2007.

What is a Doula?
Benefits of a Doula

 

Although doulas do not provide medical assistance, through loving touch, position and comfort measures they make childbearing bearable.


Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth:

 

  •     Results in shorter labors with fewer complications

  •     Reduces negative feelings about one's birthing experience

  •     Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans

  •     Reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research

 

Research shows parents who receive support:

 

  •     Feel more secure and cared for

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  •     Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

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  •     Have greater success with breastfeeding

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  •     Have greater self-confidence

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  •     Have less postpartum depression

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  •     Have lower incidence of abuse

Benefits of a Birth Doula 

Studies have shown that women who have the continuous support – like that of a doula – with them during labor, and birth experienced:

  • An overall reduction of 28% in cesarean deliveries;

  • A reduction in the length of labor;

  • A 31% reduction in the use of Pitocin (a drug used to induce labor);

  • A 12% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth, that is, birth without assistance of forceps or vacuum;

  • A 9% reduction in the use of pain medications;

  • A 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery

  • 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience*

 

 

* Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. 
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. 
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5

 

 

Services

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  • Birth Doulas

  • Postpartum Doulas

  • ​Childbirth Education Classes

  • Maternity Concierge

  • Belly Casting Parties

  • Baby Planning

  • Breastfeeding Support

  • Bringing Baby Home Class

Testimonials

 

“I just wanted to thank you for all of your help with Hadley's birth. It meant so much to Pat and I to have your support and knowledge in this brand new experience".

Maggie

 

"Josie, you're amazing! Thank you for everything! Truly a blessing. Sean & I & baby Lucian are so thankful for you."

Amanda (VBA2C)

 

"You helped me with the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Now we have a beautiful baby girl"!

MaryJean

 

Thank you so much for giving me the most cherished - rewarding & memorable birth experience I could have ever imagined. My experience felt full of love, prayer, hope & strength... Because of your guidance I was able to cherish baby Eowyn the moment she entered my world".

Evita

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