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Do I really need a Doula? You bet!
So...What's A Doula?
The word doula, has Greek origin. It means, "woman who serves." Doulas are trained and certified in many different aspects of childbirth. They understand the birth process, respect the birth (however it may unfold) and help to facilitate the birth, not only for the parents, but the baby and care providers as well. Years of experience have shown that labors are much more comfortable & easier with the presence of a doula. Doulas are experts in supporting the physical & emotional process of labor. Sprinkle in their wisdom, along with their desire to educate and empower you - to utilize your own strength within - and you have an amazing birth team!
As The Birthing Person, How Would You Feel If…
You could be involved in your birth experience?
You had physical, educational, emotional, and even spiritual support (if that is what you needed)?
You were fully informed on your available choices?
You could have your wishes followed in a respectful manner?
Someone was there to make you feel safe & empowered?
If you are the Partner... You too are an important piece to this amazing journey! My job as your doula is to support the whole family. Giving you support with information, support with encouragement, and support with my knowledge and decades of experience, will help this to be a team effort.
*Studies Have Shown That Families Who Had A Doula At Their Birth Had A...
-60% reduction of pain medication used
-50% reduction in cesarean sections
-40% reduction in use of Pitocin
-30% shorter labors
-Decreased postpartum depression
-Greater maternal satisfaction in the birth experience
-Improved breastfeeding & bonding
It's Also Important To Know What Doulas DO NOT DO!
-Doulas are not medical professionals
-They do not preform clinical tasks (such as vaginal exams/fetal monitoring)
-They do not give medical advice
-They do not judge the decisions you may make
-They do not take over the role of your partner
-They do not catch the baby
Preparing Yourself For Birth...It's up to you to ready your body for the birth of your baby. Eating well, exercising regularly, and participating in good childbirth classes are all part of the preparation. I can support you in learning all the ways you can cope with labor when it becomes intense. I can encourage you to find strength within yourself to ask questions when you feel unsure. I can inspire you to advocate for yourself, and your baby, when presented with choices to make. You should feel empowered to claim this experience, and make it a successful and supported one. Labor is hard work. Birth can be so very unpredictable - even when you are well prepared! I hope to help you release fear and tension, and embrace your birth with all of your mind, body & heart.
Making YOUR Choice!
Education and positive support are the most valuable gifts you can give yourself and your baby during this time. Interventions are sometimes needed. Each case has its unique circumstances that make it impossible to predict what will happen. I have experienced many births with interventions and many without interventions. It is important for you to know that regardless of what you choose, I will support you and your partner, and work with you to fulfill that goal. Having the confidence to be flexible in your birth will greatly help as well. You are the one that makes all the decisions in your birth experience. As your doula I will make sure that you receive as much information as you want, to make educated & informed choices. You will always be made to feel safe and respected by me throughout the entire process.
Do you think you deserve that? Then hire a doula!
*Taken from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula can help you have a better birth. Klaus, Kennell and Klaus
The word doula, has Greek origin. It means, "woman who serves." Doulas are trained and certified in many different aspects of childbirth. They understand the birth process, respect the birth (however it may unfold) and help to facilitate the birth, not only for the parents, but the baby and care providers as well. Years of experience have shown that labors are much more comfortable & easier with the presence of a doula. Doulas are experts in supporting the physical & emotional process of labor. Sprinkle in their wisdom, along with their desire to educate and empower you - to utilize your own strength within - and you have an amazing birth team!
As The Birthing Person, How Would You Feel If…
You could be involved in your birth experience?
You had physical, educational, emotional, and even spiritual support (if that is what you needed)?
You were fully informed on your available choices?
You could have your wishes followed in a respectful manner?
Someone was there to make you feel safe & empowered?
If you are the Partner... You too are an important piece to this amazing journey! My job as your doula is to support the whole family. Giving you support with information, support with encouragement, and support with my knowledge and decades of experience, will help this to be a team effort.
*Studies Have Shown That Families Who Had A Doula At Their Birth Had A...
-60% reduction of pain medication used
-50% reduction in cesarean sections
-40% reduction in use of Pitocin
-30% shorter labors
-Decreased postpartum depression
-Greater maternal satisfaction in the birth experience
-Improved breastfeeding & bonding
It's Also Important To Know What Doulas DO NOT DO!
-Doulas are not medical professionals
-They do not preform clinical tasks (such as vaginal exams/fetal monitoring)
-They do not give medical advice
-They do not judge the decisions you may make
-They do not take over the role of your partner
-They do not catch the baby
Preparing Yourself For Birth...It's up to you to ready your body for the birth of your baby. Eating well, exercising regularly, and participating in good childbirth classes are all part of the preparation. I can support you in learning all the ways you can cope with labor when it becomes intense. I can encourage you to find strength within yourself to ask questions when you feel unsure. I can inspire you to advocate for yourself, and your baby, when presented with choices to make. You should feel empowered to claim this experience, and make it a successful and supported one. Labor is hard work. Birth can be so very unpredictable - even when you are well prepared! I hope to help you release fear and tension, and embrace your birth with all of your mind, body & heart.
Making YOUR Choice!
Education and positive support are the most valuable gifts you can give yourself and your baby during this time. Interventions are sometimes needed. Each case has its unique circumstances that make it impossible to predict what will happen. I have experienced many births with interventions and many without interventions. It is important for you to know that regardless of what you choose, I will support you and your partner, and work with you to fulfill that goal. Having the confidence to be flexible in your birth will greatly help as well. You are the one that makes all the decisions in your birth experience. As your doula I will make sure that you receive as much information as you want, to make educated & informed choices. You will always be made to feel safe and respected by me throughout the entire process.
Do you think you deserve that? Then hire a doula!
*Taken from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula can help you have a better birth. Klaus, Kennell and Klaus