What Is A Doula and what do they do?
A Doula is in many ways a Coach, and for all intents and purposes I consider myself to be exactly that A Birth Coach. A Doula’s duty is to provide a continuous source of comfort, encouragement, and support (both emotional and physical) during labor. Doula’s have no medical training; unlike the other members of your birth team the Midwife or OB/GYN. A Doula does not offer any medical advice, they are there to serve as a grounding voice of experience to help with relaxation techniques, and breathing exercises, offer advice on labor positions, and much more. A Doula may also serve as an advocate/mediator who is there to hold the labor space, and run interference with hospital personnel. A doula may also be to explain common birthing terms and procedures.
A birthing woman in the throes of Labor is in fact, in one of the most vulnerable spaces she has ever been; skirting the line between life and death.
A hard truth to face in today's society is that women, more specifically black women and other women of color fall over the line and end up dead. These women are dying due to a lack of proper support and negligence on the part of the practitioners who they are in the care of. When you Google the fetal-mother mortality rates for black women versus other woman the numbers speak for themselves. A big step in improving those rates comes with the increase of access and better services for black birthing women such as Doulas, Night nurses, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding or lactation support, Physical therapy and most of all access to Home birth Midwives, or CPM’s
FAQs
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If you respond yes to any of these statements then having A Doula would be an excellent choice.
Are you hoping to have a “natural birth “(no pain meds/ epidural)?
Do you have your heart set on a specific birth plan?
Are you having a medicated birth, but would still love support?
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This question is pretty loaded but I get it all the time and for more details feel free to check out our blogpost about choosing a Doula…
To answer the question here it’s simple:
You can start here book a consultation and decide whether I am the right one for you if not I can refer you to some listings to aid you in finding the right one. The most important thing is getting you the support you want and need.
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The cost of a Doula varies by region, but it can range anywhere from $800-$2500; however the average costs $1800. Some Doulas charge by the hour, while others have a flat fee. Their services include, but are not limited to prenatal visit, labor and delivery, post delivery follow-up, and breastfeeding assistance. For many a Doula make come as an out of pocket expense, but some insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost; call your insurance company’s benefits department for details and procedures.
our services
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With this option you Doula provides support before, during, and after labor. They support you during pregnancy, labor and in the few weeks following the birth of your child.
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They support you during your labor, with a commitment to stay with you for the duration of your labor, and hours after. They are tasked with the privilege of not only providing comfort and support, but with the maintaining the peace and sanctity of your birthing space.
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They support you with the transition into motherhood. Those days right after the baby is born can be a difficult adjustment, and having the additional hand ands support of a Doula can go a long way in aiding your walk through that fourth trimester.
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Is This Normal?….
As a new mother there are times we feel lost or way out of our depth, I mean let’s face it most of what we know as mother’s comes from learning on the job. While we are on the job however we encounter situations and questions unlike any we have before. You may find yourself asking everyone is this normal.
For example is it normal for the umbilical stump to just dry up and fall off? I’ve seen many horrified new mothers panic when the open a diaper and find a dried stump.
Well I’m here to help, If you don’t have the support of a village or feel to embarrassed to ask anyone else or for any other reason you need a question about new Mommyhood answered right away!
Hit the button below to subscribe monthly for the “is this normal” question line, with this subscription you can send unlimited questions that will be answered in a timely and thorough manner.
Courses and live events
Hello Everyone, I am launching, a micro- course, with the legalization of "flowers" in different states consumption is on the rise in pregnant and nursing mamas. There are more products flooding the market that are dangerous, but so readily available. I created this course to help birth workers have open and honest discussions with the mothers they serve. Mamas, especially BIPOC mothers don't share their consumption with their providers from fear, let's create a safe safe, and arm them with information.
