What is a doula?

I am a certified birth and postpartum doula. In this season, I am primarily focusing on postpartum support. I am only accepting birth doula clients on a case-by-case basis.

Postpartum doulas are trained to and will assist with:

• Breastfeeding support and pumping guidance

• Emotional support during recovery from birth

• Assistance with newborn care, such as: bathing, feeding, diapering, and soothing

• Cleaning and sanitation of baby supplies

• Breastmilk storage

• Baby laundry and organization

• Help with establishing routines

• Referrals to local resources if needed

Birth doulas build relationships with expectant families to help them have a positive birth experience. We help facilitate conversations between our client and her care provider, provide non-judgmental support for her birth choices, and support the family through labor and birth. We work with our mind, heart, and hands and we are a bridge to many other forms of care. (BEST Doula Training)

What are the benefits of hiring a birth doula?

Research shows that having a doula during pregnancy and labor is linked to:

• 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

• 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

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Resource: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

What are the benefits of hiring a postpartum doula?

Research shows that parents supported by a Postpartum Doula often feel less anxious and have a lower incidence of postpartum depression and anxiety. They have an increased sense of self confidence and generally a deeper sense of satisfaction with their partner. Support from a Postpartum Doula has also been linked to higher rates of satisfaction and success with breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum.