Doulas improve birth!

What are the benefits of having a doula?

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

* tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications

* reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience

* reduces the need for pitocin (a labor inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans

* reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidural

Research shows that parents who receive support can:

* Feel more secure and cared for

* Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

* Have greater success with breastfeeding

* Have greater self-confidence

* Have less postpartum depression

* Have lower incidence of abuse

This information is courtesy of the DONA website

Birth Doula Services include:

Initial Meeting- This is a chance for you to get to know more about me and see if we could have a compatible working relationship. There is no charge for this initial meeting.

At Least Two Prenatal Meetings- During these times we can continue to get to know each other and discuss your birth plans and expectations.

Access to my lending library- I have some great educational DVDs and books to lend to my clients to better help them prepare for pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and the postpartum time.

Availability by phone and email- I can answer questions or help you in collecting information.

Labor Support- Arrival at your labor when things start to get active and you are in need of additional assistance. I remain for the duration of the labor and for 1-2 hours afterward to make sure that you are comfortable with newborn care and breastfeeding.

Postpartum Visit- I will follow up within a few days after the birth by phone and again in about two weeks in person to see how everyone is doing, to answer questions and to review the birth.

For more information about Doulas, contact DONA