DOULA SERVICES
A doula-client relationship begins several months before baby is due. During this time, the mother is free to ask questions, express concerns and fears and her desires for her birth plan. The doula acts as an advocate for the mother, helping her fulfill specific desires she may have for her birth in order to have a positive and safe birthing experience. She provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother and her partner before, during and shortly after childbirth. The doula provides comfort measures and relaxation techniques to help the mother during labor and encourages participation from the partner in the process. After birth the doula will stay and help the mother with breastfeeding and encourage bonding.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOULA:
Research shows that women who use a birth doula are (according to DONA Int)...
• less likely to need Pitocin
• less likely to have a cesarean birth
• less likely to use any pain medication
• MORE LIKELY TO HAVE BETTER APGAR SCORES FOR BABY
More likely to HAVE LACTATION SUPPORT POSTPARTUM
• more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively
PRENATAL
From moment of hire, I will offer two pre-natal consultations (at least one of them in your home) where we will go over the details of your pregnancy and desires, wishes and needs for birth. I can assist to develop your birth plan. My goal is to provide you with the tools and information needed so you feel confident during the course of your pregnancy and ultimately, your labor. Back up doulas are also discussed.
*Phone, text and email support during the entire pregnancy.
LABOR SUPPORT
I will provide full labor support both at home and at the hospital and stay by your side throughout the entire labor. I may use comfort measures such as relaxation through massage, breathing, use of positive affirmations, positioning/movement and making sure you have a peaceful and positive environment.
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
Shortly after birth, I can provide latching/breastfeeding assistance and will remain with you for up to two hours as you bond with your newborn. I will also provide one postpartum visit once you're home within one to two weeks postpartum.
Services doula agrees to:
· Phone/email support from date of hire until final post-partum visit
· On-call support from 37 weeks to 42 weeks (or until the client has given birth)
· Two prenatal visits (1-2 hrs in length, with second visit preferably in client’s home)
· Labor support, at home or at chosen place of delivery, to begin within two hours of request from laboring woman or partner
· Emotional, physical, and informational support at home and in the chosen place of delivery throughout the birth of the baby (within the DONA Int’l
Standards of Practice) and up to 2 hours postpartum
· Breastfeeding support immediately postpartum if transfer occurs within two hours of birth
· One in-home postpartum visit (within 2 weeks of the delivery date) to discuss the birth, provide feedback, and answer any questions
Services not provided by doula:
· Doula will not make decisions for a client and/or her partner; but, instead, doula will help client obtain information necessary to make informed decisions