About Doula Care

 This is a very important truth: How a woman is cared for and supported during birth is a major influence, not only in how she gives birth, but also in how she feels about it. Yet, medical care before and during childbirth focuses almost exclusively on the physical safety of baby and mother. This medical care places little emphasis on the mother’s emotional well-being, her relationship with her partner, and her readiness to parent. Such matters are given low priority in our very expensive health-care system, which is beset by nursing shortages, pressure to increase the use of medical and surgical interventions while increasing efficiency, reduction of psychosocial support services, threats of malpractice lawsuits, and other factors that work against personalized, flexible, women-centered care.

- Excerpt from The Birth Partner, Penny Simkin

Most Commonly Asked Questions

What is a Doula?

  • A doula is an unbiased, consistent member of your birth team hired by you, not your doctor or midwife

  • They provide physical and emotional support

  • Doulas help the mother into various positions that ease back pain and assists in the flow of Labor

  • Assists only as much as desired

  • Can provide massages and other comfort measures during labor

  • Doulas encourage mothers and partners throughout the birthing experience

  • Communicates with birth team and Birthing staff

  • Assists in the release of oxytocin ( the feel-good hormone)

  • They can assist in creating an ideal atmosphere ie. music, aromatherapy, room decor

  • Assists mother with initial breastfeeding

  • Does not deliver babies

Do doulas attend hospital?

  • Yes. We are here to support mothers in any choice they make whether in-home, at a birthing center, or in a hospital.

What about my doctor or midwife? Won’t they be in the room the whole time?

  • No. Your doctor or midwife will be in and out of your room periodically, or change completely in many establishments mid labor if there is a shift change.

    This can cause a disturbance in the mothers labor progression. This kind of disturbance can slow down labor or even bring it to a complete halt. Having a doula insures consistency throughout the duration of labor.