What is a Birth Doula?!

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So… What IS a Birth Doula?!

Penny Simkin described a Birth Doula: “One of the most positive developments in maternity care is the addition of the birth doula, who guides and supports women and their partners continuously through labor and birth.  The doula is on call for you, arrives at your home or the hospital when you need her, and remains with you continuously, with few or no breaks, until after the baby is born.  The doula is trained and experienced in providing emotional support, physical comfort, and nonclinical advice.  She draws on her knowledge and experience as she reassures, encourages, comforts, and empathizes with the mother.  She advises the partner about how to help, suggesting when to use particular positions, the bath or shower, and specific comfort measures.

A doula cannot and does not try to take over your role as the birth partner, because you know the mother better and love her and the baby as no one else does.  But there are many times when a woman needs more than one helper in labor, and when her partner needs reassurance, advice, and help.”

~Penny Simkin, excerpt from her book The Birth Partner, A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions

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Why Choose a Birth Doula?

Evidence has shown that a person in labor with a birth doula providing continuous care during labor is:

  • 28% less likely to have a cesarean birth
  • 31% less likely to use Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) to speed up labor
  • 9% less likely to use any pain medication
  • 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively

when compared to people who did not have a Doula, and had only their birth partner/ family member/ friend/ healthcare provider for support.

Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Weston J, 2011

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As your Doula, I will bring to your birth team:

  • Collaborate with and support you, your partner, and other chosen family and friends when applicable through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum to ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience as much as possible.

  • Utilize my extensive knowledge and over a decade of experience as a doula, as well as nearly two decades as a mother to provide comprehensive education, emotional support, active listening, and physical comfort.

  • Together, we discuss your values, goals, and concerns about pregnancy, labor, birth, and feeding your baby(ies). I’ll support your unique goals in your preferred birth style, and help adapt if medical needs arise, ensuring personalized care.

  • Share information with you about your medical options and rights, as well as questions to ask your providers, enabling informed decision-making, advocacy, and collaborative care with your providers. You’re in the driver’s seat. This information also helps to prepare you and your partner for your labor, birth and postpartum experience.

  • During labor and birth, I can point out if there is a departure from your Birth Preferences that we have discussed during our meetings, and (when possible) create space for time so you can make informed, intentional decisions, and may suggest possible alternative options to consider.

  • Collaborate as a team with you, your partner, and your healthcare providers, including doctors, midwives, and nurses, and support my clients in all of the hospitals, birth centers, and midwife attended homebirths in the NC Triangle.

  • Offer continuous support throughout labor, birth, and postpartum, with virtual support during early labor, and in-person support during active labor. This includes in-home support during early active labor if you would like and when time allows.

  • Offer suggestions for labor progress based on the position of the baby, incorporating Spinning Babies techniques, and the use of tools like peanut balls, birth balls, and a Rebozo scarf, and much more.

  • Offer calm reassurance, perspective, and help to normalize the birthing process.

  • Provide emotional and physical presence with active, hands-on assistance for relaxation using massage, acupressure, position changes, and other comfort measures.

  • Encourage and support your partner to be actively involved with confidence and authenticity in their role as a supportive and advocating presence during pregnancy through to postpartum.

  • Discuss in-depth postpartum plans: who will be there for support as you heal, strategies for healing and getting enough sleep, “laying in”, delegating care tasks and meal planning, newborn care & feeding, etc.

  • I work as an independent, self-employed sole-proprietor.  As your doula, I work for you and not on behalf of any healthcare provider or hospital.

  • Get along well with children, grandparents-to-be, and pets to ensure a family-friendly environment.

Having a knowledgeable, compassionate, professional doula can make a positive difference in birth outcomes.

When a person feels supported, empowered & in control of their birth choices, often the results are:

  • a more satisfying birth experience
  • increased bonding with baby
  • increased breastfeeding success
  • decreased chances of postpartum depression
  • a birth story that will be fondly retold for years
  • & ultimately a healthier Mama and baby

What an inspiring way to begin a journey!

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