What is a Doula?

Doulas are professional childbirth companions who provide emotional support, physical comfort, education and advocacy to women and persons during pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn period. Doula support can reduce medical interventions, including c-sections, improve your mood and satisfaction with your birth experience, and increase your breastfeeding success!

For more information, click this link..

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

Infographic on the role of a Doula and the benefits from Doula care.

https://everymothercounts.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Overdue-1-4-16-Final-Long.pdf

Who is Eligible?

Women that are experiencing homelessness or unstable home conditions, poverty and domestic violence may apply.

Women who have just had a baby (up to 1 yr old) may apply for post partum care or post partum group support.

What services will a Birth Doula provide?

Doulas will provide prenatal visits that include nutritional guidance, a birth plan and comfort measures you can work on together.

Doulas will be on call from 37 weeks pregnant and will provide continuous care and support during labor.

Lactation support after Birth and one or more Post Partum visits, depending on the Doula.

Doulas are not medically trained or able to give medical advice, they act as an emotional support, as an advocate on your behalf, can give you explanations, and pro's and con's of medical interventions, but cannot make a decision for you. They are there to support and sustain the mother (and partner) to be equipped in navigating the birth experience. They provide advocacy between the birthing person and the medical team, and ensure patient's rights are protected and upheld.

Doulas are continuously present throughout your labor, and provide a wellspring of emotional and informational support and advocacy on your behalf. Having a doula significantly reduces the chances of adverse outcomes and increases feelings of connectedness, ability to cope and sustained support.

What services will a Post Partum Doula Provide?

Help with adjusting to life as a mother, with a newborn, both physically and emotionally. Other services can include light chores, holding baby, settling and swaddling baby, general wellness and nutritional guidance as well as referrals to other health care practitioners as needed.

Lactation support, helping with latching and ongoing breastfeeding adjustments. Can refer you to a lactation consultant if needed.

Post Partum Doulas can give you a much needed chance for rest and recuperation, a breath between breaths so that you can refill your cup and go back with more resources to meet the demands of early motherhood.