Gentle Beginnings

What is a Doula?
What does a Doula do?
Is a Doula like a Midwife?
I already have a midwife, do I need a Doula?
But my partner will be there. Why do I need a Doula aswell?
What is included and how much does it cost?

My testamony to you.

What is a Doula?
Doula is a Greek word, and refers to a woman who personally serves another woman. One source claims that doula actually referred to the most important female or slave in the ancient Greek household, who helped the lady of the house through childbirth, as well as being the head servant, or in charge of the other women servants.
The modern meaning as we use it is: A woman who assists another woman during labour and provides support to her and her family both before, during and after childbirth.

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What does a Doula do?
A doula provides informational, emotional and physical support for expectant mothers and their partners as well as supporting the mother through labour and childbirth and the postnatal period.

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Is a Doula like a Midwife?
A doula does not do the same job as a midwife. A doula does not take clinical responsibility. Your midwife may be assigned to other women at the same time, and will come and go. She will not be able to stay by your side for your entire labour.

I already have a midwife, do I need a Doula?
A doula can be a very useful addition to the birth support team both for hospital births and home births. The midwife will often not be able to be in attendance the whole time in a hospital setting and the doulas job is to take care of the comfort measures the mother might need during the labour that the midwife wouldn't be able to attend to due to her clinical responsibility. In a homebirth setting a doula will be a great help to the midwife in taking care of comfort measures for the mother and other support people as well as being an extra pair of hands.

But my partner will be there. Why do I need a Doula aswell ?
The doula is not meant to sideline or replace the father/significant other. Granted, their respective roles are similar, but the differences are crucial. The father or partner may be better able to provide continuous support but typically has little actual experience in dealing with the often-subtle forces of the labour process. Even more important, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be objective in such a situation. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate more actively during labour with the presence of a Doula than without one. A responsible Doula supports and encourages the father in his support style rather than replaces him.

Research shows that women who hire a doula have:

50% reduction of Caesarean rate
60% reduction in the NEED for an epidural
40% reduction in syntocinon use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

What is included and how much does it cost?

The normal package includes up to 4 pre natal visits to get to know each other, and to talk about any fears/concerns, to develop a birth plan, and to practice some relaxation techniques.
I will be on call for you two weeks before and two weeks after your estimated due date.
I will stay with you during the labour (up to 18 hours), and support you and your partner through this intimate experience.
I will stay with you after the birth until you are all settled and feeding well.
I will visit with you twice after the birth to talk and de-brief your birth experience and to go through any more concerns you may have.
The total cost of this package is $800

My testamony to you.
My philosophy is that women have the natural instinct to birth, but modern society has forced us to give up control of our own birthing journey.
Pregnancy is a time to readjust and accept the life force within. It is a time of education and acceptance of the changing body, mind and spirit. It is a time of celebration of the new life and beautiful birth ahead, which has no place for self doubt or fear. I want to empower women by encouraging them to look deep within.