What is a Doula?
This great videos explain wonderfully what a Doula is does and the benefits of having one. Enjoy!
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The word "Doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves.
A Birth Doula provides continuous comfort, encouragement, and reassurance through respect for women in labor. This includes physical , emotional and informational support for mother and their partners before, during and after birth. Techniques utilized include relaxation, breathing, movement, massage, and positioning to aide labor progress.
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A Birth Doula
Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth Stays with the woman throughout the labor Provides an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks. Most importantly, doulas do not make decisions for their clients or project their own values and goals onto the laboring woman. Adapted from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993) |
Benefits of hiring a Doula include:
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My goal is to make every birth I attend an empowering, positive experience.
Gift Certificates are available for any of my services!
They are a great idea for baby showers.
I have an National Provider Identification (NPI) number so that your insurance can be billed and you could be reimbursed for my doula services. Please be aware that not all insurances cover doulas at this time and it my take some effort. Doulas can also be paid through HSA or flex-pay account.
Birth Doulas spend on average 40 hours with their clients included prenatal, postpartum visits, birth email and phone contact. Your birth can last from a few hours to several days. As your doula I am committed to be with you within ONE hour after your request, stay with you throughout your entire labor and until you are well settled after the birth of your baby, day or night.
They are a great idea for baby showers.
I have an National Provider Identification (NPI) number so that your insurance can be billed and you could be reimbursed for my doula services. Please be aware that not all insurances cover doulas at this time and it my take some effort. Doulas can also be paid through HSA or flex-pay account.
Birth Doulas spend on average 40 hours with their clients included prenatal, postpartum visits, birth email and phone contact. Your birth can last from a few hours to several days. As your doula I am committed to be with you within ONE hour after your request, stay with you throughout your entire labor and until you are well settled after the birth of your baby, day or night.
What is in the Placenta?
- Gonadotropin: the precursor to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
- Prolactin: promotes lactation.
- Oxytocin: for pain and bonding; produced during breastfeeding to facilitate bonding of mother and infant.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone: boosts energy and helps recovery from stressful events.
- Cortisone: combats stress and unlocks energy stores.
- Interferon: stimulates the immune system to protect against infections.
- Prostaglandins: anti-inflammatory.
- Hemoglobin: replenishes iron deficiency and anemia, a common postpartum condition.
- Urokinase inhibiting factor and factor XIII: stops bleeding and enhances wound healing.
- Gammaglobulin: immune booster that helps protect against postpartum infections.
- Human Placental Lactogen (HPL): stimulates mammary gland function and milk production
- Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF): Stimulates the production of your body’s natural opioids, including endorphins, reduces pain, increases well-being.
Courtesy of the fabulous Placenta Bakery.