“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” - Dr. John Kennell
Hiring a birth doula has a statistically significant benefits. The most recent and largest systematic review of continuous labor support summarizes the experiences of over
15,000 women who participated in 21 randomized controlled trials. Compared with women who had no continuous support, women with companions, such as a doula, who were neither on the hospital staff nor in the woman's social network were:
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28% less likely to have a cesarean section
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31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
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9% less likely to use any pain medication
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34% less like to rate their childbirth experience negatively
Support provided by a person that the woman selected from her social network (for example, her partner, spouse, other family member, or friend) increased her satisfaction, but did not seem to impact her use of obstetric interventions.
Two Prenatal Visits
We will meet twice prenatally so I can get to know you and your partner, discuss your desired birth team dynamic, learn about your vision of your birth and any fears or anxieties you may be experiencing, and determine your coping style.
I can share evidence-based information with you as you develop your birth preferences, share comfort measures and techniques with your partner in advance, and coach you through the final weeks of pregnancy through phone or email support.
Continuous Labor Support
I am on call for you 24/7 during weeks 38-42 of your pregnancy. I am available to provide phone support at the first sign of labor and when you feel the need for additional support and will arrive to you to support you physically and emotionally within 1-2 hours notice.
I stay with you throughout labor to help you cope, give guidance, perspective, and reassurance, and to help you advocate for your wishes and communicate with your care provider.
Postpartum Follow-Up
I will remain with you for 1-2 hours after birth to help you establish your first breastfeeding session with your baby. After the birth, I am available to you by phone and email to provide support and answer any baby or birth related questions you may have.
In the first 3-10 days after birth, I will visit with you and your new family in your home to process the birth experience and to provide breastfeeding support and resources. I will also connect you with further resources and referrals in your community as needed.