A Touch of Grace, A World of Support
Why Have a Doula?
With a heart full of compassion and a commitment to holistic care, I am here to support you and your growing family. Having a doula with you for continuous labor support has been shown time and time again to improve great outcomes for women and infants. I listen to your needs, support your choices and keep you on track. I am able to explain the details of any interventions that the doctor or nurse may be suggesting and help you advocate your preferences. Doula’s do not replace partners…doula’s are here for the BOTH of you! We will work together to bring our own strengths to the birthing bed (or tub), to enhance mama-to-be’s birthing experience. I am here to help offer guidance, and give recommendations if you need it, so that your partner, or family member has a great birthing outcome. Your partner or family member is the expert on you, and I am the expert in birth—we will work together as a team to provide some amazing support!
What a Doula can’t do…
As a doula, I am not a medical professional. I am trained to provide emotional support, and physical comfort. I can not perform clinical tasks--such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, cervix checks. I am here for informational support as well, but can not make decisions for you. Going into your birth, I will know your birth plan, so I can remind you of what you wanted (if things start to change in labor). You or your partner will have to speak to the clinical staff during labor I cannot speak to them on your behalf (unless you cannot speak yourself) but I can help guide you, or your partner to help you find your voice!
Beneficial outcomes of Doula support as shown in research:
1.Doula supported people were 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
2.Doula supported people were 9% less likely to use any pain medication
3.Doula supported people were 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively
4.Doula supported people not only improved the bond between the birthing person and infant, but also seemed to decrease the incidence of complications.
What is a Doula?
The word “doula” comes from the Greek term meaning “caregiver”. As a DONA certified trained doula my primary goal is to EMPOWER and SUPPORT you as the birthing person. Birth is beautiful, and a natural process. I am here to provide emotional and physical support, and provide evidence-based resources throughout your pregnancy! I will listen to your worries, concerns, and needs (especially during labor). When you work with me, everything matters, and I want you to feel confident and prepared for your birth! I am here to help you through this amazing journey, and be your constant.
Doula Benefits:
Doula’s know that birth is a key experience that the mother will remember all her life, and we are there to nurture and protect the mother’s memory of the birth experience.
Doula’s possess knowledge of the birth process and are attuned to the emotional and physical needs of laboring.
Doula’s support the individual in developing and realizing her birth preferences and goals.
Doula’s provide continuous presence and support during the entire labor process.
Doula’s offer consistent emotional encouragement, practical comfort techniques, unbiased guidance, and facilitates access to information to support informed choices.
