“What is your job?”
“I’m a Childbirth educator and a birth doula.”
“Oh! What is a doula?”
*
Explaining what a doula is can be difficult depending on who is asking. Mostly, I answer with, “I provide physical and emotional support for a woman in labor.” But there is so much more than that.
*
I answer hundreds of questions my clients might have. About pregnancy, labor, postpartum, babies. Some are out of my scope of practice, but I try to answer everything I can.
*
I go on call and am available 24/7 starting a few weeks before the actual due date. That means I don’t travel far from my home and I’m available to provide support to a client whenever it is necessary. Middle of the day? No problem; I’m here for you. Middle of the night? No problem; I’m here for you. Weekends? Holidays? Birthdays? Anniversaries? I’m here for you.
*
I provide physical support to a laboring client. I offer massages, help with position changes, counter pressure, anything that might help ease the sensations of labor.
*
I offer drinks of water or other hydrating liquids or bites of easily digestible foods.
*
I help show the partner what they can do to be supportive of the laboring person. I will also encourage them to eat or rest themselves so they can be at their best when they are needed the most.
*
After birth, I help establish breastfeeding and help where needed. I encourage skin to skin for both/either mom or dad to help bonding with their new baby.
*
Most importantly, I support you in whatever you decide. I’m not going to push any agenda on you. Whatever your desired birth is, I will try to help you reach that goal. It doesn’t always happen the way you plan, but I’ll support you all the way through.
*
There are many other ways a doula can be beneficial for your labor. We all have our different experiences and expertise that we bring with us.
*
Did you have a doula? Are you considering having a doula? What do you expect from your doula?
“I’m a Childbirth educator and a birth doula.”
“Oh! What is a doula?”
*
Explaining what a doula is can be difficult depending on who is asking. Mostly, I answer with, “I provide physical and emotional support for a woman in labor.” But there is so much more than that.
*
I answer hundreds of questions my clients might have. About pregnancy, labor, postpartum, babies. Some are out of my scope of practice, but I try to answer everything I can.
*
I go on call and am available 24/7 starting a few weeks before the actual due date. That means I don’t travel far from my home and I’m available to provide support to a client whenever it is necessary. Middle of the day? No problem; I’m here for you. Middle of the night? No problem; I’m here for you. Weekends? Holidays? Birthdays? Anniversaries? I’m here for you.
*
I provide physical support to a laboring client. I offer massages, help with position changes, counter pressure, anything that might help ease the sensations of labor.
*
I offer drinks of water or other hydrating liquids or bites of easily digestible foods.
*
I help show the partner what they can do to be supportive of the laboring person. I will also encourage them to eat or rest themselves so they can be at their best when they are needed the most.
*
After birth, I help establish breastfeeding and help where needed. I encourage skin to skin for both/either mom or dad to help bonding with their new baby.
*
Most importantly, I support you in whatever you decide. I’m not going to push any agenda on you. Whatever your desired birth is, I will try to help you reach that goal. It doesn’t always happen the way you plan, but I’ll support you all the way through.
*
There are many other ways a doula can be beneficial for your labor. We all have our different experiences and expertise that we bring with us.
*
Did you have a doula? Are you considering having a doula? What do you expect from your doula?