What is a Doula?

The word ‘doula’ (pronounced ‘doo-la’) is a Greek word meaning ‘woman servant or woman serving woman’. It is now used to refer to someone who offers one-on-one, non-medical care for a woman in labor. A doula (sometimes referred to as a childbirth assistant, labor companion, or birth coach) is a trained birth/care professional who understands the natural physiology of birth and the unique needs of a laboring woman. Doulas offer informational, emotional, and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during and just after childbirth.

Doulas support women in having the most satisfying experience possible, starting in pregnancy, continuing through labor, and into the important postpartum period, simplifying this remarkable transition into parenthood.

My Definition 

As your doula I will not intervene, fix, heal, make up appearances, or hold any agendas. My role as your doula is to listen, trust, and allow your Birth to happen, and to always remain present and available to your birthing process. I will inform you of options but I am not your voice. I will care for and nurture your emotional and physical needs and will be a source for support but will not interfere. I will do my best to keep you comfortable, and encourage you to trust in your own intuitive abilities. I will be in awe of you and will empathize and promote you surrendering to its power. As your doula I will help to elevate your birth experience simply by showing you your own power and how to trust yourself, your body, and the birth process. It is my goal to facilitate the whole birth experience for the mother, father/partner and baby.

Doula Benefits
C-Section reductions by 50%
Labor length reduced by 25%
Pitocin use reduced by 40%
Narcotic use reduced by 40%
Forceps use reduced by 40%
Epidural use reduced by 60%
Decreased postpartum depression