What is a Doula?
The word “doula” comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. A woman experienced in childbirth, who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell, Klaus "Mothering The Mother")

“If I told you today about a new medication or electronic device that would significantly reduce the length of labor, cut the incidence of cesarean section in half and enhance mother-infant interaction after delivery, I expect that there would be a stampede to obtain it in every obstetric unit in the United States, no matter what the cost.” (Dr. John Kennell- on the benefits of women having a doula for birth)

Why would someone need a doula?
A woman that didn't have support or if they felt she needed more support would need a doula. Perhaps she doesn’t feel that at that time she would be an effective advocate for herself and she would want someone who isn't emotionally involved. Maybe she wants someone to be there just for her to make sure all her  needs are met that don't correspond with what care providers usually provide.
I would recommend a Doula to anyone. It's like bringing your childbirth educator teacher with you to the birth and knowing no matter what you forget, she will be there, right by your side, to remind you, care for you, and give you the information you need to enhance your birth experience. We are here to give support to both the mother and father at their special time. The mother won't feel alone if the dad needs to take a break and the father won't feel guilt, leaving the mother alone. We are effective advocates for following the parent's birth plan and helping them through difficult periods.

Doulas. . .

• recognize birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember the rest of her life.
• understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a laboring woman.
• assist the mother and father in preparing for their birth and carrying out their birth plans.
• stay by the side of the mother throughout her entire labor.
• provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the mother in getting the information she needs to make an informed decision.
• encourage communication between the laboring mother, her partner and clinical care providers.
• perceive her role as one who nurtures and protects the mother's memory of her birth experience.

 

Doulas do not provide any medical care. They do not replace doctors or midwives.
Current research has shown that in using a Professional Doula during labor provides you with the following benefits:

• Affordability -- Generally an average cost for Doula services in South Florida ranges between $500.00 to $2,000.00 depending on where you live, what services are offered and the doula’s experience. It is not unusual for a more experienced Doula (i.e. someone with nursing experience and years of experience as a Doula) to charge on the higher end and a less experienced or student  Doula to charge on the lower end.
• Convenience -- I can come to your home during early labor before you go to the hospital.
• Flexibility -- In my prices and in your labor and birthing options.
• Break the Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle through constant education and support.
• Constant presence of the Doula throughout your pregnancy and from the beginning of your labor until 1-2 hours after birth.
• 50% reduction in cesarean rate
  
  
• Reduced desire for pain medication.
  
  
• 40% reduced need of pitocin
  
  
• Fewer episiotomies
  
  
• Reduced duration of labor (average 2 hours less for first-time mothers)
  
  
• Reduced use of forceps and vacuum extraction prcedures
  
  
• Reduced chances for health complications and hospitalizations for baby
  
  
• Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection
  
  
• Reduced maternal bleeding following birth
  
  
• Increased chances of successful breastfeeding
  
  
• Reduced incidence of postpartum depression
  
  
• Reduced levels of anxiety/Better mother-infant interaction
  
  
• More positive birth experience for mother and partner
  
  
• Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth

In light of these benefits more and more Insurance Companies are choosing to reimburse for Doula Services. Check with your Insurance Carrier to inquire if they do.

The Father & Doula team:
By having a Doula, he can participate at his own comfort level without having to remember "everything" that he and mom learned in childbirth class. Studies show that fathers also experience fear and tension during the mother's labor. A doula's presence and knowledge can break the fear-tension-pain cycle for the mother and father. Many times fathers worry that they are not doing enough or the right thing. A Doula helps him to care for and support his partner by giving suggestions, providing encouragement or giving much needed breaks during a long labor.

The Ante-Partum Doula
The Antepartum Doula, easily known as a High-Risk Pregnancy Support Professional, was created because of a need for specialized support for mothers that are high-risk, especially those that are on bed rest in the hospital or at home. The medical needs are being met for these women, but the emotional needs and the practical support are going unfulfilled. This doula focuses on the mother and her family. I also provide these services to couples going through infertility treatments and want some extra support; Mothers who are just plain tired in the last months and would like some extra help around the house doing light housekeeping and extra emotional support to help work through fears and anxieties also.

The Post-Partum Doula
A post-partum Doula is a non-judgmental woman with a quiet presence in your home. Most postpartum Doulas are mothers themselves who have breastfed their own children and enjoy motherhood.

In addition, Doulas perform other tasks such as light meal prep, light cleaning, giving baby care tips, demonstrating baby baths, swaddling  and soothing techniques, advice on sleeping issues for mom and baby, go with mom on first car trip to the store alone with baby, special help with postpartum depressed moms, practical help with multiple births, errands, helps mom get through the circumcision ("briss" at home for Jewish boys) setting up the nursery and much more, depending on individual situations. They mostly nurture the mother so she can better nurture the baby.