What is a doula?

Your best friend/sister during pregnancy and labor. She knows her shit, and if she doesn't, she knows someone who does. She is an Experienced pregnancy, birth and postpartum professional who is available to you from the time of hire, on call for around 4 weeks surrounding the due date, at birth and until many weeks postpartum. A birth Doula provides labor support which can range anywhere from 6 to 24 hours, or more! Labor support includes support for mom and partner, providing comfort techniques, affirmations and assisting with important decisions.

Hiring a Doula includes prenatal and postpartum home visits and help with a birth plan that is unique to you. 

- What are the benefits of having a Doula and why would you need one?

Evidence shows that having a Doula decreases your chances of a cesarean section, can shorten labor and increases satisfaction with the overall birthing experience (for as long as a woman lives she will ALWAYS remember how she was made to feel at her birth.) Why is this? For one, you never feel alone.

The transition of becoming a mother is similar to, dare I say it, dying and being reborn, which is scary. A Doula assumes the role of your guide through the many ups, downs, twists and turns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. You can ask them anything and they will either have an answer or a resource for you. They listen to your concerns and can provide you with ways to cope and deal with them.

Your Doula may also be an Aromatherapist and offer essential oil blends for any ailment (morning sickness, anxiety, insomnia etc.), or maybe an herbalist with Herbal remedies for a plethora of issues (increase your iron intake!), a massage therapist, or even an energy worker (helping you remove any blocks you may have that may prevent you from having a happy and satisfying birth). Doulas work hard to make sure that you and your baby are the number one priority to all involved in your pregnancy and birth. They help you pace the information you consume so you are not overwhelmed! Some Doulas are only Birth Doulas, which means that they are with you for your prenatal and birth period but not postpartum. Some Doulas only do postpartum and some Doulas do it all.

Why would someone hire a Doula for postpartum only?

The postpartum period is one of the least touched upon pregnancy stages. Unfortunately a lot of times, once the baby is born, the mom and family are left on their own without much support. Lack of postpartum support leads to higher risks of postpartum depression and a longer and much more painful recovery. Ideal postpartum support includes physical, mental and spiritual recovery.