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 What is a “Birth
Doula” ?
 The term “Doula” is a Greek word meaning “woman’s
servant”. In current times, the term has come to describe a woman who is
educated in childbirth and provides continuous emotional and physical support
for the expectant couple throughout the pregnancy, birth, and immediate
postpartum periods. As a professionally trained doula, I am familiar with
standard medical terms and procedures pertaining to your prenatal and labor
care. I am trained to support you in labor, whether it be at a hospital, birth
center, or home. During labor, I will make suggestions to help your labor
progress, guide and assist with your relaxation using different
tools/techniques, and encourage various positions and other techniques for your
comfort. I also am there to support and guide your partner by offering
suggestions that will aide in your relaxation and pain relief. Although I do not speak for you, I encourage
advocacy on you and your partner’s behalf by
equipping you with the information needed to approach your caregiver with any
questions or concerns you may have.
Research supports the value of labor support-
- tends to
result in shorter labors with fewer complications ·
- reduces
negative feelings about one’s childbirth 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
- Improves success rates with breastfeeding
"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is
about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust
themselves and know their inner strength." -Barbara Katz Rothman
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