What is a Birth Doula?

A doula provides support consisting of praise, reassurance, measures to improve the comfort of the mother, physical contact such as rubbing the mother’s back and holding her hands, explanation of what is going on during labor and delivery and a constant friendly presence. The birth doula recognizes childbirth as a transformative life experience. Her primary objective is to nurture and protect a woman’s memory of her birth experience.

Care in Normal Birth: a Practical Guide. Report of a Technical Working Group. World Health Organization, 1996

I support and advocate for the mother, regardless of the birth setting and conditions. My doula services are especially useful for mamas desiring a natural birth in a hospital setting, where hospital policy and protocol can make it particularly difficult. I gladly support all mothers giving birth in whatever way they have chosen for themselves... hospital birth, homebirth, natural birth, induced birth, birth with epidural anesthesia, c-section, VBAC, etc... My goal is to keep the mother as comfortable as possible while always keeping her birth plan respectfully in mind.

My approach is patient and hands on. I am confident in the birth process and respect the power of women, babies, nature, and God. Typical labor support includes helpful suggestions to improve comfort, keep labor progressing, encourage baby into a good position, and maximize pushing efforts. I use hot/cold compresses, massage, aromatherapy, as well as lots of sincere love and encouraging words and reminders. I am familiar and supportive of many different birthing methods, such as, Birthing From Within, Bradley, Hypnobirth, Lamaze, etc... I aim to enhance the role of your partner, not replace it. I cannot guarantee a certain birth outcome, but I promise to listen to what you want for your birth and work hard to help you have your ideal birth. See the Doula Services page for additional details about what doula service includes.

"Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of our greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well."  ~Mother Teresa

How can a Birth Doula help?

-Reduces the overall cesarean rate by 45%
-Reduces the length of labor by 25%
-Reduces Oxytocin use by 50%
-Reduces the use of pain medication by 31%
-Reduces forceps deliveries by 34%
-Reduces requests for epidural medication by up to 60%
-Reduces incidences of maternal fever
-Reduces the number of days newborns spent in NICU
-Reduces the amount of septic workups performed on newborn
-Results in higher rates of breastfeeding
-Results in decreased rates of postpartum depression
-Results in more positive maternal assessments of maternal confidence
-Results in more positive maternal assessments of maternal and newborn health

The data above summarized from: The Doula Book, by Marshall Klaus, John Kennell, and Phyllis Klaus.The results summarize 16 randomized, controlled studies totaling over 5000 women. Most mother’s were giving birth to their first child and were in good health with uneventful pregnancies. They were asked to participate when they were admitted to the hospital (except in 2 studies). The doulas stayed with the women constantly and focused on three primary factors: comfort, reassurance, and praise using touch and verbal communication.

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it. " ~John H Kennell, MD