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You're a What?
What Doulas Do
Prenatal- Meetings with me to practice technique, provide you with information for any question you may have so that you
make informed decisions.
When you are in Labor.
Comfort techniques: I can offer help and advice with comfort measures such as guiding your breathing, enhancing relaxation,
encouraging movement, suggesting effective positions for labor, and doing massage.
Advocacy: I can assist with gathering information about the progress of labor to make sure you have the information you
need to make informed decisions about your birth. I can also serve as an advocate with the medical staff but can not and will
not speak FOR you or your birth partner.
Emotional support: Our most critical role is providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort.
After Birth. I expect to remain with a client for 1-2 hours after birth, until you are comfortable, and the family is
ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding.
I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth of your baby. My services include one postpartum
visit, usually within two weeks of the birth. During this visit, I can provide breastfeeding support, baby care tips, referrals
to community resources, and a chance to discuss the birth experience.
I also provide Postpartum Doula services and will be happy to supply you with that information if you wish.
What Doulas do not do.
We do not perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc. We are there to provide
only physical and emotional support and advocacy.
We do not make decisions for you. We will help you get the information you need to make your own informed decisions. We
will also remind you if there is a departure from your Birth Plan, and will verify if this is, in fact, your informed decision.
We will not speak to medical staff regarding matters where health care decisions are being made. We can discuss your concerns
with you and suggest options. We can support you in discussions with staff as your advocate, making sure you have the opportunity
to discuss concerns, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the medical staff.
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