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A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible (DONA, 2021).
Your doula will give you continuous support during your labor and birth and she will empower you with evidence-based information so that you can clearly understand and communicate your needs to health professionals.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by a support person such as a doula is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor”(ACOG, 2017).
Welcoming a new baby is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time in life.
It is our honor to offer our women calm, flexible, evidence-based support.
First, we meet to get to know one another and to learn more about your vision for birth and how you’d like to be cared for during this special time in your life. From there we’ll help you choose an experienced birth doula that’s right for you.
Once you have hired your doula, you are able to call, text and email her with any questions throughout the pregnancy. She will help you to prepare for your birth through educational sessions, while also helping you to process any fears that you have surrounding birth or motherhood.
Plus, you’re invited to our monthly Village TALKS and Support Circles which help you build community with other mothers in a shared learning experience on planning for birth or early parenting.
There will be two prenatal visits before you begin labor.
The first visit usually takes place during your second trimester and is centered around planning for your ideal birth.
We will discuss:
Birth plan writing, guide on interviewing care providers, preparing for your hospital tour, understanding medical procedures and terminology during pregnancy and the early signs of labor.
We will also go over the hormones of birth and their emotional connection with the labor journey. This is an opportunity for us to discus any past traumas you have experienced that may affect your labor progression. (Please remember that all discussions with your doula are strictly confidential.)
The second visit usually takes place around your 36th week of pregnancy.
We will discuss:
Stages of labor, physiology of labor, review the signs of early labor, various methods of pain management, role playing the labor experience, how to implement your birth plan, basics of breastfeeding and preparation for how to remain empowered with all possible outcomes including abdominal (cesarean) birth.
We will also discuss any concerns or questions that have come up for you in the final weeks of your pregnancy such as GBS, Gestatational Diabestes, Baby's Position, Preeclampsia, Fetal Movements etc.
Your doula goes on call for you two weeks before your estimated due date (38 weeks). Once you are in active labor, your doula will meet you at your place of birth and support you continuously throughout labor until you have delivered and begun initial feedings.
You will have evidence-based, judgement free, unlimited support from your doula from the moment labor begins until you have begun feeding baby.
Your birth doula will provide routine check-ins after she leaves your birth and will visit you once within the first two weeks. She will check on how you are coping with life after birth and answer any questions you may have on newborn care and feedings, your sleep and give special attention to your emotional needs.
If you think you will need more help, Postpartum Care Packages are available that give specialized support for you, baby and other children in the family. This gives you the ability to...
Please see the section titled Postpartum Doulas for additional information.
Walking
Squatting
Miles Circuit
Bearing Down
Hands-and-knees
Dancing
Laughing
Visualizing