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A Doulas History
Throughout history women have been helping other women through pregnancy, labor, delivery and of course motherhood. It
has only been recently that birth has become a sterile and lonely experience. Over the last several years a trend to bring
delivery back to a time of comfort has begun. From the more homelike labor and delivery rooms, to having family, friends,
doulas and professional labor assistants attend; the birth experience has improved for the mother, baby and even the father.
The word Doula comes from the Greek word meaning "servant." Doulas through history were believed to be the
head female servant who assisted the lady of the house with everything, from getting them dressed in the morning to doing
their choirs and most importantly attending and participating in their births. Today Doulas are trained birth professionals
who work with the couple through their pregnancy to achieve a better birth for the mother, father, and baby. Doulas do not
take the place of the partner or coach, but rather, help to facilitate a smoother birth by working with both the family and
medical staff as an advocate for the family. A doula makes no decisions for the parents and only offers opinions when asked.
Benefits
of having a trained doula:
50% reduction
in cesarean births
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction
in analgesic use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
From
Mothering the Mother by Klaus,
Kennell, and Klaus
IT TAKES A WHOLE VILLAGE TO RAISE
ONE CHILD
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Doula Services
Doulas are trained professional birth assistants that attend a birth to give
emotional and physical support to the laboring family. A doula does not perform any medical procedures i.e. vaginal
exams, blood pressure checks, etc. A doula cannot and should not be expected to deliver your baby.
They work alongside a doctor or certified midwife.
Each Doula brings to a birth a variety of special skills, experience, and personality traits.
Because of this, not all doulas are right for all couples. Please, interview several before deciding on one.
MY SERVICES
*At least 2 prenatal visits (more if you go
past your due date.)
*I will be on call 24 hours a day for 10 days before your due date until after your delivery.
*I
will attend your labor from the moment you ask me to attend. I will come to your home for the early stages of labor. However,
I will not attend home births at this time in the state of NC.
*I will be by your side throughout labor and delivery unless
you ask for time alone with your partner.
*I stay at least one hour after delivery (usually longer) making sure that mother,
father, and baby are bonding and that breastfeeding has been established.
*I will call daily for the first week that mom
and baby are home to make sure that the family is well and to answer questions that may come up. (This is an optional service
at no extra cost)
*2 Postpartum visits - one in the hospital or at home 24 hours after delivery and one at the 6 week mark.
New Sevice Belly casting a great way to preserve your pregnant
belly for years to come and share with your baby. (This is an optional service that can be done in conjuction with my
doula services or on its own) This is a separate
fee.
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