The Value of a Doula
An ancestral legacy of women walking with women.
What is a Doula?
The word “Doula” is a Greek word that literally means “female slave for the child-bearing woman.” Today the word has come to mean “One who mothers the mother.” A doula is trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and after childbirth. In every trial, doulas have only had positive impacts on maternal and infant outcomes.
What difference does a Doula make?
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Dream it.
A Doula has the highest privilege to walk with women at the most sacred of times in pregnancy, birth and the postpartum. They offer physical, emotional and informational support specific to their client, who becomes their friend. They develop a close relationship and become a confidant to the birthing person and her partner. They guide women to embrace their feminine strength and make decisions with in line with their wholehearted values. A relationship with a doula can enhance oxytocin release which decreases stress reactions, fear, and anxiety, and increases contraction strength and effectiveness.
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Pour over the Evidence.
50% decrease in the risk of Cesarean with support of a doula
15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
60% decrease in the use of medications for pain relief
Less interventions and instrument-assisted births
Labors shortened by 25%
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
Higher breastfeeding success and an decrease in mood disorders in the postpartum
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Make it happen.
Birth is deeply personal. Birth stays with you for life. It involves thoughtfulness. As doulas, we want you to enjoy peaceful and healthy outcomes for yourself and your baby. We want you both to thrive together. Your pregnancy and birth experience tremendously affects that. Cells remember birth. Doulas are trained to protect your environment of love, comfort, safety, warmth, and intimacy, just as your baby was created.