Mary Lou's Role as a Doula | About
Birth Doulas | About Postpartum
Doulas | Doula Testimonials
What is Support?
What is a birth doula?
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Greek word meaning "Woman's servant". |
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A woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman during labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. |
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She performs no clinical tasks. |
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Allows partner to be involved to partner's own comfort level. |
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She supports you in the birth YOU want. |
Benefits of a birth doula
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Shorter labor. |
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Fewer complications/interventions. |
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Cesarean rates reduced. |
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Less use of episiotomies. |
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Less need for drugs to speed up labor. |
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Less requests for pain medications. |
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Increased confidence in self and in partner/coach. |
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Higher success rate in breastfeeding. |
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Increased satisfaction with birth experience. |
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Mother views baby more positively. |
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Continuity in care: prenatal, labor, birth, and immediate postpartum. |
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Lowers anxiety/stress levels. |
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Allows partner to be involved to their own comfort level. |
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Support and help for the partner. |
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Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries. |
Role of a birth doula
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Prenatal meetings. |
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Phone support. |
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Support for entire labor: early labor, home/ hospital/birth center, first hours after birth. |
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Postpartum visit(s). |
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To help you cope with labor and any unexpected or unwanted events. |
Tools a birth doula may use
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Massage/Counterpressure/Acupressure. |
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Positioning. |
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Breathing techniques. |
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Relaxation techniques - focal points, imagery, sensory therapy, and more. |
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Music. |
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Hot/Cold therapies. |
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Birth balls. |
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Shower/Bath. |
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Knowledge of options. |
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And more!!! |
Fees and scheduling
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Fees vary from $500-$1500 flat rate. |
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On call usually two weeks prior and after due date. |
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Usually has one or more back up doula(s). |
