Birth 

A birth doula is a professional support person trained in the needs of the family during pregnancy and childbirth.

The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support during childbirth including comfort measures.

Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant. A birth doula recognizes the profound impact of childbirth on the mother.

Before childbirth, a birth doula will typically:

  • Meet with you during your second or third trimester to get acquainted

  • Teach you relaxation and breathing skills

  • Answer your questions about the birthing process

  • Help you understand labor and delivery procedures and possible complications

  • Help you develop a birth plan

During labor, the doula will:

  • Stay with you constantly to provide comfort and support

  • Use massage and touch to help you relax and rest

  • Help you get into comfortable positions

  • Help you get adequate nutrition and fluids

  • Help communicate your preferences to the medical staff

  • Involve and reassure the dad-to-be

After delivery, a doula can:

  • Provide support and encouragement to both you and dad after bringing your baby home

  • Teach both of you how to care for your new baby

  • Assist with breastfeeding education

  • Support dad and other siblings and teach them how to help you

  • Make sure you get plenty of rest, eat regularly, stay hydrated, and are comfortable

Postpartum

Infant Feeding Plan – we will support you in setting up a feeding routine that suits your parenting style and your baby’s needs, whether that be breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or both.

Tongue Tie/Frenenctomy Support – should your baby need intervention for a tongue tie our team of doulas can support you before, during, and after the entire process.

Daily Schedules & Routines – we’re available to help you as you devise the sleep, play and feeding patterns that best reflect the goals you have established for your home.

Referrals – should your family require additional services that are outside of our scope of practice we’re able to provide you the referrals needed to make a smooth connection to the proper professional.

Establishing Healthy Sleep Cycles – we’re highly trained in normal newborn sleep patterns and can help the family establish healthy sleep routines. We’ll help you find the sleep designs that are ideal for your family.

Breastfeeding Assistance – your postpartum doula is thoroughly trained to support moms along their breastfeeding journey.  They can trouble shoot in the following areas: latch issues, positioning suggestions, sore nipples, low milk supply, engorgement, let-down reflex, inverted nipples, etc.  They are also familiar with the symptoms of common breastfeeding challenges such as mastitis and plugged milk ducts and can recommend solutions to get you and your baby back on track.

Postpartum Depression Identification – our postpartum doulas are highly trained in all areas pertaining to post-delivery and can offer assistance in identifying the signs and symptoms of baby blues or postpartum depression.  We can help parents as they determine a course of action should circumstances require outside attention that is beyond our level of expertise.