What is a Doula:
A doula, or birth attendant, is a woman offering non medical support and information to parents in pregnancy, childbirth and the post natal period.
'Doula' is a Greek word that has come to mean "woman’s servant".
She believes in the process of birth and the impact it has on parenting:
- She is a great listener
- She is respectful
- She doesn't impose her own thoughts and beliefs
- She trusts the woman's instincts
- She acknowledges the power of birth
- She believes the birthing woman's partner is the most important team member if that is right for that couple.
- She recognizes birth as a non medical event, unless the woman asks for assistance for her or her baby
- She understands that the fewer people interrupting the woman and the process, the quicker the birth
- She knows that dim lighting always makes a difference
- She offers continuous support to the woman and her birth team
Overall, she believes it is a woman's rite of passage to birth her baby where, with whom, and how she wishes.
The doula is knowledgeable in comfort measures such as relaxation breathing, massage and positioning, managing labor sensations using water, hot packs and aromas.
Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions, or give medical advice.
A doula is skilled in supporting the birthing woman and her partner to meet the challenge of labor one contraction at a time.
Professional labor and birth support, know as a doula, brings an amazing energy and insight into your birth experience. Doulas come with a simple willingness and passion to be with you in childbirth. No matter how long that is or how that looks for you. They bring their passion and understanding of the birth process and they have a total belief in the power and ability of the laboring woman. The doula does not take over from the partner if present but compliments them and encourages and supports them to be present to the laboring woman and her needs.
A doula offers ongoing support at the birth of your child ensuring:
- you have a skilled set of hands 'holding the space' for you at home and / or in hospital
- you are surrounded by nurturing and caring energy
- you have a reduced risk of unnecessary interventions
- your own strength and creative capacity to give birth is enhanced
Fees: see prior page
Class information $ 225 for series or $100 for 1 day class (group rates for 1 day class call 954-861-8203)
Pre labor
Fears and feelings
Choices in childbirth –how to avoid a c-section Induction - natural vs medical
Stages of labor
Birth Planning and Partner support
Contractions - natural vs. medical management
Understanding the breath in labor
Positions for labor and birth
Natural birth and Hospital policies and procedures
What if all does not go according to plan?
Vitamin K and Hep B for the baby?
APGAR score
Breastfeeding
Sleep and settling
Bathing and swaddling
Safe guarding your home
Relationship changes
Keeping it normal!
