Womb Service

What is a Doula?

A doula is a woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth. 

Eleven scientific studies published in such places as the Journal of the American Medical Association, the New England Journal of Medicine, and the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology have documented the positive effects of doula support.

     Reductions in:

• the overall cesarean rate by 50%
• the length of labor by 25%
• oxytocin use by 40%
• the use of pain medication by 30%
• forceps deliveries by 40%
• requests for epidural by 60%

     Increases in:

• rates of breastfeeding
• mothers' confidence level 
• mothers' assessment of her health and her newborn's health

For more information on these studies, see The Doula Book by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus.

As a DONA Certified Doula I have specific standards of practice and a code of ethics I am bound to follow.  DONA requires recertification every three years; DONA expects their doulas to keep up-to-date with evidence-based research and to always be looking for opportunities to further our education.  DONA has a Grievance Policy/Procedure "to provide a mechanism through which the public and the community of doulas may be protected if there is misconduct on the part of a DONA Certified Doula" (see link for source).   Training and certification are not necessary to do doula work, but I felt aligning myself with DONA an important step on my journey as a doula.  For more information about DONA, visit www.dona.org. 

Some families worry a doula will take the partner's place; as a birth doula, I can no more take your partner's place than I can take your practitioner's place -- we have separate roles and there is room for all of us.  Doulas do not take the place of partners, instead doulas help fortify the mother/partner relationship by providing comforting words, hands, and experience the couple might not have access to otherwise. What a doula brings to each birth is a familiarity of the birth process and the similar feelings each mother goes through, as well as wisdom to calm, strengthen, and create a sacred space around the laboring couple.  For more information, see Dads and Doulas. 

I am a woman who has experienced the power of birth. I have confidence in the capabilities of a mother's body. I know every woman knows her body best, just as she knows her baby best. It is my desire to support the mother and her partner as they embark on this new path to parenthood.

As a birth doula, I offer my services to ensure the expectant family arrives at decisions they feel comfortable with; my primary desire is to mother the mother and aid in supporting the birth partner.

My support does not end at birth, though. Breastfeeding seems like it should just happen naturally, but so many times moms and babies need a little practical help. As a former WIC breastfeeding peer counselor as well as a mother who has successfully breastfed 5 children of my own, I will help ensure mom and baby not only get off to a good start, but also have access to my services as long as the breastfeeding relationship continues.

It is important to note that as a birth doula I do not impose my own experiences and feelings onto my clients -- I am here to offer non-judgemental support, with no bias or motivation except to help you have the birth experience you desire, no matter what that entails.

I would love to support you in walking the path on your jouney to motherhood. Please email or call today!