BIRTH DOULA SERVICES

What is a Birth Doula?

"We define a birth doula as a professional support person trained in the needs of the family during pregnancy and childbirth. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence based education and practical hands-on support during childbirth including comfort measures. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant. A birth doula recognizes the profound impact of childbirth on the mother." (IDI.COM)

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Birth Doula Services 

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Dear Doula provides continuous, individualized​ physical, emotional and informational support to a pregnant individual and their partner during pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum. 

Dear Doula Birth Services include:

• free (30) phone consultation to discuss your needs/wants

• two prenatal visits in your home and/or common location 

• on call/text 24/7 communication (beginning at 38 weeks) 

• present for the entirety of your birth 

• breast/chest feeding support, if requested

• one postpartum visit within 1-2 weeks following birth

• continuous phone and email support throughout pregnancy and early labor

• access to childbirth education and maternal mental health resources 

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Prenatal Visits: 

During the duration of our prenatal visits, we will be establishing a trusting, caring and nurturing connection to ensure that you and your partner feel empower, supported, and validated throughout your birth! 

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During this period Dear Doula will:

• listen/learn more how to best support you through the birthing experience 
• discuss birth hopes, dreams, wishes, likes/dislikes 
• provide childbirth education (maternal body changes, newborn choices, stages of birth)
• introduce different comfort techniques
  • i.e. benefits of touch, light massage, counter pressure techniques, breathing techniques, different positions to ease discomfort ​
• education on common medical interventions for birth 
• teach comfort measures for birth: 
  • birthing balls
  • educate the different birthing positions to provide comfort and decrease pain ​​
  • hot/cold techniques  
  • aromatherapy
  • setting the mood i.e. playing music, turning the lights down
  • discuss any worries, fears or thoughts lingering about birth
• go over hospital norms/what to expect at triage & when admitted

• what to pack for the hospital/birthing center 

• body autonomy

• make sure that your questions are answered
• ensure that you and your partner feel prepared, ready, safe for child birth

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Labor and Delivery Expectations: 

Dear Doula will:

• be on-call from 38-42 weeks

• be present the entire time while you are in labor and delivery at setting of your choice

• help you and partner feel empowered while obtaining important information necessary to make informed decisions about your birthing experience

• provide continuous emotional reassurance, encouragement, caring/calm presence 

• provide physical  support by help creating a calm environment (dim the lights, draw a bath, food/hydration reminders) 

• provide informational support by guiding and keeping individuals informed of your birthing choices through evidenced-based information

• encourage different breathing techniques and birth positions

• supports partner by informing them on what is going on, keeping them informed, allowing for bathroom/movement breaks

• amplifying your decisions and voice 

• can take birthing photos/videos

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Dear Doula does not:

• speak to hospital staff (i.e. doctors, midwives, nurses, any hospital employee) on the client’s behalf, however, will encourage, remind and mirror positive communication

• make decisions for their client & partner

• conduct any medical procedures, interventions, exams on birthing individual or newborn baby.

• work for hospitals, birth sites, or other health care professionals.

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Dear Doula supports both home and hospital settings for births. Dear Doula supports all birthing decisions (i.e. mediated and non-medicated, induction, vaginal or cesarean births).