The word "Doula" comes from the Greek meaning "woman's servant".  A Doula is a non-medical professional who offers continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers and their families through pregnancy, childbirth, and early infant care.

Birth Doulas…before the baby arrives

Postpartum Doulas…after the baby arrives

 Birth Doulas…before the baby arrives…

• Birth Doulas are specially trained individuals that provide continuous labor support to a couple or individual before, during, and after birth. Doulas bring knowledge to the birth team, including pain relief and breastfeeding techniques, and offer emotional support to mothers and their families.
   
• Every mother-to-be deserves to have a Birth Doula by her side.  Whether birthing in a hospital, a birth center, or at home, a Doula focuses solely on the mother (and father) during labor, and assists in initiating early bonding between mother and infant.  Whether this is your first pregnancy or a subsequent one, any woman interested in constant encouragement, guided comfort measures and helpful relaxation techniques can benefit from a Doula.
   
• Dads can also benefit from a Birth Doula.  A Doula can amplify the father or significant other's role during labor and delivery by offering suggestions and encouragement on ways to touch, talk and help the mother.  Often, fathers are the primary support, with the Doula providing secondary support through words and knowledge, and even running errands.  But at times, even the father needs reassurance and rest.  With a Doula, these are available to the father and he can participate at his own comfort level.
   
• Studies have shown that having a Doula present at the birth (medicated or un-medicated) has a positive affect on the health of the mother and the baby.  Research has also shown having a Doula present reduces the frequency of medical interventions, including.
  • Cesarean sections by 50%
  • Length of labor by 25%
  • Requests for epidural anesthesia 60%
  • Use of Pitocin by 40%
  • Forceps delivery by 40%

Postpartum Doulas…after the baby arrives…

• Postpartum Doulas are individuals that provide loving care to the mother and baby during the transition from hospital to home and during the early weeks. A Doula provides emotional support along with knowledge and encouragement to help everyone adjust to having the new baby home. This individual may also provide guidance working through the baby blues; education about mother recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care; assistance with sibling adjustment; and baby proofing, running errands, meal preparation, and light cleaning. 
   
• Every new mother deserves to have a Postpartum Doula by her side.  However, the needs of each family vary.  Some specific situations that may increase the need for a Doula are multiples – twins, triplets, the more the merrier; mothers recovering from Cesarean Sections; and any parent who is not getting enough rest (that is almost everyone!).
   
• Dads, or significant others, often find having a Postpartum Doula present allows them to adjust to their new role by relieving some of the pressure.  A Doula provides important bonding time between the father and the new baby, while she tends to the needs of the mother and household in general.
   
• Postpartum Doulas provide a calm and reassuring presence.  They are a sounding board for questions and concerns, and can suggest additional resources if a question or situation is beyond their scope of care. 

For information email:  info@doulaspirit.com