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Why a birth doula team?
Working with a team of doulas give you the option of double doula services or back up services.
We have found that working with two doulas gives clients the needed reassurance of knowing who will support them when the time comes. While some mothers choose this option many do not. Having one doula that you feel a strong connection to and knowing that she has back up if needed is a more traditional way of doula support.
Double doula, two doulas will attend all the prenatals and attend the birth if they are both available.
Back up, one doula will attend prenatal visits, back up will be called for birth if primary doula is unable to support client.
The Doula Difference |
How mothers rated their birth experience: | With Doula
Support | Without Doula
Support |
| Rated birth experience as good | 82.5% | 67.4% |
| Felt they coped well with labor | 46.8% | 28.3% |
Felt labor had positive effect on them as a women
| 58.0% | 43.7%
|
| Perceived their bodies as strong | 58.0% | 41.0% |
Source: Obstetrics & Gynecology 93. no 3 (1999)
This table perfectly illustrates our goals for all of our clients as we support them through childbirth.
The role of a doula is not to protect but to educate. Not to advocate but to empower. The information below is a typical timeline of how our services run. |
Birth Support
All of the doulas within our group hold education as a key to support their clients. Evidence based and baby friendly practices are our goal.
These services include:
Prenatal visits to talk about your pregnancy, your hopes & fears, how you manage discomfort, and work on your birth plan.
Our intensive intake form covers many aspects of how you would like to birth your baby. We answer any questions that come up through the process of filling it out and help you find the information needed for more education.
Resource for unbiased information
On-call Availablility 24 hours a day, two weeks before your estimated due date until baby is born
Early labor support in your home
Help in deciding when to leave for the birth center, hospital or call the midwife
One-on-one attention at your birth, giving you and your partner the comfort & confidence to birth together
Help in managing labor pain with methods like; massage, relaxation, breathing, touch, & voice
Suggestions on how to help your labor progress
Aid in communication between you and your caregiver and work through any changes to your birth plan
Immediate help with breastfeeding
Continued support after baby is born for one to two hours
Postpartum visits to review your birth story
What training is involved in becoming a birth doula?
Doula training is a weekend intensive covering topics like but not limited to:
Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, fetal development, labor, postpartum, and breastfeeding
Emotions of pregnancy
Pain management techniques
Medical procedures used in labor
Emotional support and physical comfort measures
Support for difficult labors, Cesarean birth, and vaginal birth after Cesarean
Newborn care and breastfeeding support
On going education is key to becoming a informed doula.
How do you become a doula?
Have you ever thought about supporting families in childbirth or postpartum? Our group sponsors on going educational opportunities. Both birth doula trainings and postpartum doula trainings are offered through out the year.
Contact Us for more information
This is a group of doulas who took the DONA postpartum doula training in March 2005.
Susan M. was a wonderful teacher. Our group had five of our members attend. We had a wonderful time getting to know other doulas in our community and made many new friendships. |
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