Why Hire a Doula?

Research has shown that the presence of a Doula lowers the incidence of medical interventions. Women who have had continuous labor support have shorter labors, less need for forceps, a lower risk of a cesarean section, and interact more favorably with their newborns.

~The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association
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                   "If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."
                                                                                    Dr. John H. Kennell

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Doula

  1. A doula is someone to ask prenatal questions. She is there to listen to pregnancy complaints, emotional concerns, and to share the excitement.
  2. A doula assists couples in creating their birth plan. She then assists the mother in achieving the birth experience that she desires.
  3. A doula provides continuous care and nurturing to the mother. She does not leave during shift changes, as does the hospital staff. A doula provides one on one care that medical staff cannot give due to caring for other patients.
  4. A doula provides suggestions for position changes that may help aid the progress of labor and/or make the mother more comfortable.
  5. A doula helps the mother to relax using touch, massage and words of comfort.
  6. A doula provides peace of mind in knowing that she will be there for a mother in case things are harder than expected.
  7. A doula has knowledge of many various comfort measures such as hot or cold packs, counterpressure for the back, and use of a birth ball.
  8. A doula can give empathy and reassurance to the mother that the process of birth she is going through is normal.
  9. A doula can take priceless photos/video of the entire family’s first moments together.
  10. The doula nurtures and protects the memory of the birth for the mother. She provides couples with their birth story after the birth and helps fill in the blanks or answer questions.
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Childbirth is an experience in a woman's life
that holds the power to transform her forever
Passing through these powerful gates -
in her own way - 
remembering all the generations
of women who walk with her
...She is never alone.
~Suzanne Arm

Frequently Asked Questions

I think I would like a doula, but not quite sure.  Can we talk or meet up before I decide?
Absolutely.  Our first meeting is free and with no obligation or we can talk at length by phone.  It's a chance for you to ask any questions you have on the role of a doula and decide if I am the right doula for you.  It is so important that you trust your doula.

My husband/partner is worried that a doula would take a part of the experience away from him, is that likely? 
Not at all, in fact a doula supports both you and your partner and allows your partner to be there as the father rather than take on a variety of roles that a single birth partner would have to.  A woman in labor needs as much support and nurturing as possible and having both partner and doula forms a complementary team, with each bringing unique skills to the labor and birth.

I don't know if I can afford to pay for a doula at this time with all the other baby expenses coming up?
I am happy to work out a payment plan that works best for you.  Keep in mind that a birth doula makes a wonderful gift from someone who loves you and wishes for you to have the best birth experience.  It makes a great shower/birth  gift from grandparents and/or co-workers too. 
With the cost of deductibles and co-pays on insurance policies, you may be able to save the costs of many interventions that in turn you may be paying for completely or in form of a 20% co-pay on your hospital bill.  As an example - the savings on avoiding having to pay 20% of expenses totalling an additional $3,000 is already $600.00.  Please refer to the paragraph at the top of this page "Why Hire a Doula"

Do you issue a contract?
Yes.  As a member of DONA, we are advised to offer you a contract and I can show you a sample of what it looks like at our first meeeting.


 
All Rights Reserved - Kathy Pehlke, 2010
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