DOULA is a Greek word that has recently been used to describe a professional labor support person.

The presence of a doula has been shown to reduce the following during labor*:

the overall cesarean rate by 50% length of labor by 25%
oxytocin use by 40%
pain medication by 30%
the need for forceps by 40%
and requests for epidurals by 60%
* From the ground breaking book, Mothering the Mother, Marshall H. Klaus, M.D., John H. Kennell, M.D., and Phyllis H. Klaus, M.Ed., C.S.W., 1993

I want every family to have a good birth memory. Hopefully when your birth is done, you will have good memories. I would be happy to provide you with numerous families who would be happy to describe the benefits they received from having a doula assisted birth.

My Services:
My work begins with families during the pregnancy. On the prenatal visits and phone or e-mail consultations, I'm trying to get a better picture of your desired birth. What are you concerns? Who will be supporting you in the room? How do you feel about medications?
When labor begins, I'm available to answer non-medical questions, and hopefully give you reassurance that what you are feeling is normal or perhaps directing you to seek medical attention.
What do I do during labor? I bring a calmness and comfort level to the room--since I'm calm and comfortable with labor. I work a lot at verbalizing during contractions, whether it is reminding the mom to relax in certain areas (her shoulders, back, face, etc) or that the contraction is coming down, or even suggesting visual pictures to focus on--this seems to help mom glide through the contractions. I have learned that there is great comfort in a reassuring touch at a certain point of labor, or just extreme commendation for the amazing job she is doing during this intense project--labor.
There are more tools to use for comfort in labor than just medication. Perhaps changing the temperature (hot or cold), turning on music, changing position, light massage, aromas, using water (such as a tub or shower). I'm always trying to think ahead--what position would help at this point of labor. Do we need to encourage gravity to move the baby down, encourage the baby to rotate in position, encourage mom to rest for awhile, etc. I'm also taking some pictures with a disposable camera (if okay with the family) for
your birth memories.
My care is continuous (unless agreed upon by both myself and the family) until the baby is born and placenta is out.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Question:
Does a doula leave room for the dad in the labor process?

Answer:
Doulas never replace the dads, but are extra hands to run for the ice, change the blankets, suggest position changes, remind the family of all their labor options, do light massage, etc. But as a doula, my service is much deeper than this. Having someone in the room who is comfortable with labor helps the room to feel comfortable. And a doula can help remind the dad when it is a good time to walk, take a shower, sit on a rocking chair, etc., so he doesn't have to stress over remembering "all" of the information from the childbirth class. See DONA Article on Dads and Doulas.

Question:
What if I really want to utilize medication?

Answer:
Doulas work with YOUR birth plan, not their own. Medication, such as an epidural, is not usually even offered until mom has achieved an active labor pattern. This can take time. A doula is beneficial in coping with labor until you choose to have medication. Also, there is much to remember during pushing and more hands are needed if there is an epidural in place. I find I can help a lot during pushing. An epidural cannot hold your hand, change your position, bring you ice, prepare the couch for dad to get some rest, explain what may happen next, or assure you of the changing feelings and emotions. But a doula by your side can.

Question:
What do you charge?

Answer:
Since doulas are self-employed independent business women, their charges are unique to themselves and the services they provide, and especially the area of the country they live in. Some doulas charge a flat fee to cover their entire services with your pregnancy and birth. Others charge a sliding scale, basing it on the hours spent with your care. I charge a reasonable flat fee with a deposit required at the signing of the contract. Please contact me for my current fee.

Question:
Will insurance cover the cost?

Answer:
There are currently organizations and individuals working on this problem. Since doulas have been proven to cut down on the medical costs, I'm convinced that third-party funding will come through in time. In fact, there are currently a few doulas around the country who have been reimbursed their expenses through an insurance company, but I have not found it to be currently available in my area.