Doula?
What is a
dou·la:
/ˈdo͞olə/ noun
a person who is trained to assist a birthing individual during childbirth
and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born.
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A doula (or “woman who serves” in Greek) is a trained professional who provides continuous support to a birthing person and their partner. Doulas are not medical practitioners, do not give medical advice, or provide clinical care; rather, they provide knowledge, emotional support, and physical comfort for the laboring person – before, during, and after the birth. Doulas work alongside medical professionals as a complimentary member of the birthing team to provide a constant presence, ease your anxieties, to assist for your partner (so that they are able to continue providing you their support), and help maintain a peaceful environment.
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Most doulas believe that labor and birth is a natural process and can most often be done with minimal intervention; however, there are times when medical interventions are needed for the health of the parent or baby, or desired by a couple to make them feel safe and comfortable. No matter what type of birth you plan, it is my job to support the choices that you have made with your caregiver – whether that is a natural birth, medicated birth, or cesarean birth.
Studies show that births attended by the continuous support of a doula have:
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Shortened labor time
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Fewer complications
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Healthier babies
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Reduced levels of fear, anxiety, and pain
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Enhanced communication with medical team/care providers
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Reduces the incidence of assisted deliveries (i.e. vacuum, forceps)
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Reduction of Cesarean rates by up to 50%
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Decreased use of pain medication
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Decreased costs of obstetrical care (less interventions)
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Increased maternal satisfaction with birth experience
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Increased rates of successful breastfeeding
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Reduced incidence of postpartum depression
Learn more about the evidence on Doulas:
As a birth doula, it is my job to help provide you with knowledge – I will help you to find the resources you need before birth, so that you can make informed decisions about your care. I will provide you with evidenced-based information on common procedures and interventions, and answers to your questions before, during, and after birth.
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I will be on-call 24/7 from 36 weeks until birth.
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I will provide you with continuous support. I will help you to communicate with your care providers, support you with your desired birth plan, and will be an advocate for your wants and needs during all stages of labor.
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I will help to provide physical comfort during labor. This means something different to every person – this could be support with relaxation techniques, different laboring positions, massage, aromatherapy, affirmations, use of the birthing ball and rebozo, etc.
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I will provide you with constant encouragement. I know that your body was designed to create new life, and that you can trust the signals that your body is giving you.
As a postpartum doula, it is my job to help promote bonding between you, your partner, and your new baby. I will help to ensure that you are able to meet the needs of your baby in this crucial time, and help you to process your feelings and emotions surrounding your birth experience.
I will provide you with information and local resources on breastfeeding, diapering, nutrition, parenting groups, body work, and more.
I will provide basic breastfeeding assistance so that you can establish a good nursing relationship with your new baby. I will also provide other references for local support if further assistance is needed.
I will help you with light household chores so that you can rest and allow your body to heal. This might include walking/feeding your dog, taking out the trash, putting away a load of dishes, light sweeping/vacuuming, folding laundry, etc.
I can assist with baby care while you take time to shower, nap, or spend quality with older children.
I can provide holistic tools to promote healing, such as relaxing touch, essential oils, herbal teas, rebozo care to help close the bones, and more.
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Please Note: As a trained & certified Infant Sleep Educator with extensive education on infant brain development, I will not participate in any sort of harmful sleep training, "cry-it-out", extinction methods, Baby Wise, or Ferber methods. I follow a holistic approach to baby care, using natural methods that are mindful of their neurological development.
Schedule a free consultation:
Schedule your initial consultation, free of charge. We can meet in-person at the public space of your choice, such as a local coffee shop (email me at doulamiles@gmail.com with your choice of location); OR you may schedule a virtual consultation via Zoom or FaceTime.
You should feel comfortable choosing someone who you get along with, and who will provide the type of support that you are looking for. If that is me, great!! If not – I can provide references for several other local doulas who may be a better fit for you.
Compare Service Packages:
FREE Download for Birth Doula Clients:
Your 30-day Survival Guide!
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"The Longest Month of Pregnancy" is an interactive e-book that serves as a companion to the home stretch of your pregnancy, offering ideas and activities to help you to bond with your baby, prepare for birth and postpartum, build your confidence, and nourish your body & soul.
It’s packed full of information and resources!
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