DONA trained, professional, caring, supportive women helping you and yours. What is a doula? The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical
support during the postpartum period.*
Studies have shown that when doula
s attend a birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.*
A Birth Doula
• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level*
Postpartum Doula Services
• Education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
• Breast-feeding and bottle-feeding support
• Assistance with infant care & family adjustment
• Light household chores, laundry, and errands
• Healthy meal preparation (All dietary restrictions are easily accommodated)
• Sibling and pet care
• Assist in the creation of a comforting environment to help the mother enjoy and care for her new baby
• Ensure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable
Your doula will offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
