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Doula Services
What is a Doula?
Doula, a word from the Greek, signifies a woman dedicated to nurturing
and supporting new mothers and families. Contemporary doulas combine
traditional wisdom with current practical information and hands-on guidance
to provide education, support, and non-medical care. Most importantly,
doulas meet the individual needs of each mother, baby, and family in
the security of their own environment.
What does a doula do?
We will meet with you prenatally to become acquainted,
explore and discuss your priorities, any fears or concerns you may have,
and how to best work together. We like to become familiar with
any birth planning you have done or any preferences you have regarding
labor and birth. I also want to learn about your own ways of coping
with pain and fatigue, and how you are preparing for life with an infant.
A doula accompanies a women in labor to help support a
safe and satisfying birth experience. She draws on her knowledge and experience
to provide emotional support, physical comfort and , as needed, communication
with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need for
informed decisions as they arise. A doula can provide reassurance and perspective for you, as well as other techniques for comfort and pain managements. A doula is present for your benefit, not the benefit of your caregiver or birthing facilty.
Immediately after birth a doula will remain with you until you are comfortable and your family is ready
for quite time together. She can also help with initial breastfeeding,
if desired. If you feel you will need extended support postpartum it
is best to discuss this before your birth so that we may prepare for
this.
Postpartum, a doula will visit with you to discuss your birth, answer any questions you may have about caring for yourself or your baby, and help with writing your birth
story.
As a doula, I do not:
- Perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure,
fetal heart checks, and vaginal exams. I am there to provide
physical comfort, emotional support, and advocacy.
- Make decisions for you. I will help you to
get necessary information to make an informed decision. I will
also remind you if you stray from your birth plan.
- Replace any other support people you may have.
I work with the to support you.
Postpartum Doula Services
What we can do for you:
- Support and encourage nursing
- Keep up on laundry
- Care for siblings
- Pick up groceries and run errands
- Prepare nutritious meals
- Tidy your home
- Provide phone support
- Connect you to community resources
- Educate the family about baby and mama care
- Help care for the baby
- Bring peace of mind to your transition, freeing you to relax into
it
Meet Our Doulas
Contact a Doula
Contact us for more information or to
set up a free in-home consultation or email doula@juneaubirthcenter.org
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