"What is a doula?"
From a Greek word meaning "woman who serves", a doula is someone who provides support to a woman (and possibly her family) during pregnancy, labor, and often postpartum. This support can be physical and/or emotional.
"What, specifically, does a birth doula do?"
As a birth doula, I'll get to know you prior to your birth, help answer questions or address worries you may have, and then offer you non-medical assistance during labor itself. Depending on your needs, that may include:
- helping you get into/maintain a variety of labor positions
- using relaxation techniques such as massage, visualization, and breathing exercises
- helping you to stay informed on what is happening and why
- offering encouragement and reassurance
- providing relief and guidance for your partner or other support persons
Ultimately, my job is to help you to have the most positive birth experience that you can, according to your wants and needs.
"Are doulas really helpful?"
Absolutely! In fact, "studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%"*. In fact, doulas have proven so beneficial that the World Health Organizations recommends doula attendance at all births!
"Okay, I'm interested. What's my next step?"
Send me a message through the contact form on the Meet Kate page. We can set up a consultation and, if you determine that I'm a good fit for you, I'd love to be your doula!
*Source: http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/
