What is a Doula?
Doulas provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor,
birth and early postpartum period. They are called many things including: Childbirth Assistant, Labor
Support Professional, Birth Assistant, Birth Companion, etc., but the description we like best is "walks
with mother". Basically, we 'walk' with you on your journey through pregnancy, childbirth and early
mothering to help educate you, support you and validate the choices you make for your birth and
family. In addition, we are also available to walk with you as a 'mother's helper' when you need of help
or support with your children at other times.
Why do I need a Doula?
According to "Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier
Birth", by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993), having a doula can help achieve:
Why Use a Doula?
In order to have a positive birth experience, most women need continuous labor support. Although
Obstetrical Nurses and Midwives are experienced in dealing with a laboring woman's emotional and
physical needs, they can seldom guarantee the support they provide will last throughout the labor -
especially in hospital settings where shift changes, coffee breaks, heavy paperwork and busy nights
regularly occur. Some OB nurses handle up to six laboring couples at a time. Midwives may be able to
offer more labor support, but they too have clinical duties to which they must attend.
The father or partner may be better able to provide continuous support but usually has little actual
experience in dealing with the forces of labor. Even fathers who have had intensive preparation are
often surprised that the amount of work involved is often more than enough for two people. Even more
important, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be
objective in such a situation.
The laboring mother's mother or mother-in-law, likewise may be better able to provide continuous
support, but her own experiences and knowledge of birth are not always useful to the laboring mother,
especially when the laboring mother's ideals or expectations in childbirth differ from those of her
mother or mother-in-law.
A professional doula can help bridge the communication gap between family members and help keep
the mother focused on her birth and provide the emotional support to help the mother achieve the birth
she wants. A doula can also act as a liaison between the laboring couple and their medical support
team.
What is a Doula's role?
A doula does not speak for a couple, provide medical or clinical skills or act in any unprofessional
manner. Most certifying organizations have Policies of Practice that each doula must follow.
A doula may provide:
Will the Doula replace the father?
Some fathers or partners are concerned they may be sidelined or replaced by the Doula during labor.
Although individual situations vary, and one should question a prospective doula about her
philosophy. Generally the answer to this question is no - she will not replace him. Studies have shown
that fathers usually participate more actively during labor in the presence of a Doula than without one. A
responsible Doula supports and encourages the father and enhances his support style rather than
replaces him.
When should I hire a Labor Doula?
Retaining the services of a Doula is recommended at any point from the onset of pregnancy that still
allows adequate time for the Doula to become a fully integrated member of the labor support team.
Ideally, our feeling is that the earlier a Doula is retained, the more time there is to decide what role she
will play in your process of becoming a mother.
When should I hire a Postpartum Doula?
Since your Postpartum Doula will be working closely with you and your family in your home, she
should ideally be familiar with your family dynamic and the physical layout of your home so enough
time should be allowed for all parties involved to be comfortable working closely together. We
recommend retaining the services of a Postpartum Doula no later than four weeks before your due date.
In some instances, your labor and postpartum Doula will be the same person so that your relationship
with her will already be well established for your postpartum period.
What training does a Doula receive?
There are several certifying organizations through which Doulas may receive part of their training.
Additionally, an integral part of a Doula's training is her own personal pregnancy, birth and mothering
experience and the experience she has gained in assisting other mothers as a doula.
All of our Doulas are certified through or are working towards certification through the nationally
recognized doula certification organization of their choice. They also bring with them their own
experiences and the insights they've gained through working with countless mothers in various other
programs and capacities in the Southeast Texas area. Doulas working with the Whole Mothering Center
also undergo a period of hands-on apprentice training with a more experienced Doula during the
certification process.
You can find out more about Doula Training and Certification through these agencies:
www.DONA.org
www.CAPPA.net
www.BirthArts.com
www.ChildbirthInternational.com
How much does a Doula's services cost?
Doula services range in price from area to area and doula to doula. Some of this is based on the
experience your doula has, some is based on the going rate in your area.
At the Whole Mothering Center, we base our fees on income. One reason we have chosen to offer this
service is so that any mother who wishes to have the support of a Childbirth Doula or a Postpartum
Doula will have the opportunity to have those services. Our goal is to help support mothers, and we
don't feel that a mother's options should be based on their ability to pay.
Doulas provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor,
birth and early postpartum period. They are called many things including: Childbirth Assistant, Labor
Support Professional, Birth Assistant, Birth Companion, etc., but the description we like best is "walks
with mother". Basically, we 'walk' with you on your journey through pregnancy, childbirth and early
mothering to help educate you, support you and validate the choices you make for your birth and
family. In addition, we are also available to walk with you as a 'mother's helper' when you need of help
or support with your children at other times.
Why do I need a Doula?
According to "Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier
Birth", by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993), having a doula can help achieve:
- a 50% reduction in cesarean rates
- a 25% shorter labor
- a 60% reduction in epidural requests
- a 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
- a 30% reduction in analgesia use
- a 40% reduction in forceps delivery
Why Use a Doula?
In order to have a positive birth experience, most women need continuous labor support. Although
Obstetrical Nurses and Midwives are experienced in dealing with a laboring woman's emotional and
physical needs, they can seldom guarantee the support they provide will last throughout the labor -
especially in hospital settings where shift changes, coffee breaks, heavy paperwork and busy nights
regularly occur. Some OB nurses handle up to six laboring couples at a time. Midwives may be able to
offer more labor support, but they too have clinical duties to which they must attend.
The father or partner may be better able to provide continuous support but usually has little actual
experience in dealing with the forces of labor. Even fathers who have had intensive preparation are
often surprised that the amount of work involved is often more than enough for two people. Even more
important, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be
objective in such a situation.
The laboring mother's mother or mother-in-law, likewise may be better able to provide continuous
support, but her own experiences and knowledge of birth are not always useful to the laboring mother,
especially when the laboring mother's ideals or expectations in childbirth differ from those of her
mother or mother-in-law.
A professional doula can help bridge the communication gap between family members and help keep
the mother focused on her birth and provide the emotional support to help the mother achieve the birth
she wants. A doula can also act as a liaison between the laboring couple and their medical support
team.
What is a Doula's role?
A doula does not speak for a couple, provide medical or clinical skills or act in any unprofessional
manner. Most certifying organizations have Policies of Practice that each doula must follow.
A doula may provide:
- explanations of medical procedures
- emotional support
- advice during pregnancy
- exercise and physical suggestions to make pregnancy more comfortable
- help with preparation of a birth plan
- massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures
- positioning suggestions during labor and birth
- support for the labor partner so that they can love and encourage the laboring woman
- help in avoiding unnecessary interventions
- help with breastfeeding preparation and beginnings
- a written record of the birth
- many other services that vary from doula to doula
Will the Doula replace the father?
Some fathers or partners are concerned they may be sidelined or replaced by the Doula during labor.
Although individual situations vary, and one should question a prospective doula about her
philosophy. Generally the answer to this question is no - she will not replace him. Studies have shown
that fathers usually participate more actively during labor in the presence of a Doula than without one. A
responsible Doula supports and encourages the father and enhances his support style rather than
replaces him.
When should I hire a Labor Doula?
Retaining the services of a Doula is recommended at any point from the onset of pregnancy that still
allows adequate time for the Doula to become a fully integrated member of the labor support team.
Ideally, our feeling is that the earlier a Doula is retained, the more time there is to decide what role she
will play in your process of becoming a mother.
When should I hire a Postpartum Doula?
Since your Postpartum Doula will be working closely with you and your family in your home, she
should ideally be familiar with your family dynamic and the physical layout of your home so enough
time should be allowed for all parties involved to be comfortable working closely together. We
recommend retaining the services of a Postpartum Doula no later than four weeks before your due date.
In some instances, your labor and postpartum Doula will be the same person so that your relationship
with her will already be well established for your postpartum period.
What training does a Doula receive?
There are several certifying organizations through which Doulas may receive part of their training.
Additionally, an integral part of a Doula's training is her own personal pregnancy, birth and mothering
experience and the experience she has gained in assisting other mothers as a doula.
All of our Doulas are certified through or are working towards certification through the nationally
recognized doula certification organization of their choice. They also bring with them their own
experiences and the insights they've gained through working with countless mothers in various other
programs and capacities in the Southeast Texas area. Doulas working with the Whole Mothering Center
also undergo a period of hands-on apprentice training with a more experienced Doula during the
certification process.
You can find out more about Doula Training and Certification through these agencies:
www.DONA.org
www.CAPPA.net
www.BirthArts.com
www.ChildbirthInternational.com
How much does a Doula's services cost?
Doula services range in price from area to area and doula to doula. Some of this is based on the
experience your doula has, some is based on the going rate in your area.
At the Whole Mothering Center, we base our fees on income. One reason we have chosen to offer this
service is so that any mother who wishes to have the support of a Childbirth Doula or a Postpartum
Doula will have the opportunity to have those services. Our goal is to help support mothers, and we
don't feel that a mother's options should be based on their ability to pay.
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| Copyright 2007 Whole Mothering Center This page updated May 26, 2008 |
| Whole Mothering Center Southeast Texas Maternal Resources |
| Doula Information |
| The Doulas of the Whole Mothering Center |
What does a typical Childbirth Doula service look like?
Because our Doulas fashion their services around the needs of the family they are working with, there really is no "typical" visit
model. However, this is a brief overview of 'what to expect'.
Initial consultation over the phone or in person:
We will discuss your needs and expectations, and what services the Doula provides. This is a good time to see how
personalities mesh and if the particular Doula meets your needs. We discuss an outline of the following visits, and a bit about
the mother's childbirth philosophy and her plans for the immediate postpartum period.
Visit 1:
This visit is done in person (if the previous meeting was done via phone), and is a more in-depth conversation about the parent's
expectations and desires for their birth.
After these initial visits, your Doula is always available via phone and email, however, unless there is a specific concern, your
next visit will be when mother is in labor. Your doula will work out the specific details of "when" she will attend you, whether that
is in the very beginning stages of labor or later into the process. Each mother and Doula team will work to find a method that fits
her needs.
After the baby is born, your Doula will help make sure your baby is latched on and that breastfeeding is established if you have
chosen to breastfeed your baby. Again, each mother will work out how long her Doula will stay with her after the birth or for
postpartum services.
What does a typical Postpartum Doula service look like?
For many mothers, Postpartum services will be worked out during the initial consult for Childbirth Doula services, however, if
you are only seeking postpartum services, the visits are much the same. Initially, you consultation will consist of a round-about
view of services sought and offered, and what your expectations are.
Our Doulas are either trained in Breastfeeding Management, or a Lactation Specialist will be available at no extra cost to you.
The initial consultation is either by phone or in person before your baby is born.
The first visit is conducted in your home, to familiarize the Doula with the layout an environment of your home and is conducted
before the baby is born.
The first postpartum visit is usually within the first day or two home, or possibly in the hospital if you did not have a Childbirth
Doula.
Other visits happen at the schedule you set with your Doula, based on your personal needs.
We can and do tailor all of our Doula Services according to each individual family's unique needs. If you have any questions
about our services, or would like to schedule a consultation or would like to plan a free home visit, please contact us!
Because our Doulas fashion their services around the needs of the family they are working with, there really is no "typical" visit
model. However, this is a brief overview of 'what to expect'.
Initial consultation over the phone or in person:
We will discuss your needs and expectations, and what services the Doula provides. This is a good time to see how
personalities mesh and if the particular Doula meets your needs. We discuss an outline of the following visits, and a bit about
the mother's childbirth philosophy and her plans for the immediate postpartum period.
Visit 1:
This visit is done in person (if the previous meeting was done via phone), and is a more in-depth conversation about the parent's
expectations and desires for their birth.
After these initial visits, your Doula is always available via phone and email, however, unless there is a specific concern, your
next visit will be when mother is in labor. Your doula will work out the specific details of "when" she will attend you, whether that
is in the very beginning stages of labor or later into the process. Each mother and Doula team will work to find a method that fits
her needs.
After the baby is born, your Doula will help make sure your baby is latched on and that breastfeeding is established if you have
chosen to breastfeed your baby. Again, each mother will work out how long her Doula will stay with her after the birth or for
postpartum services.
What does a typical Postpartum Doula service look like?
For many mothers, Postpartum services will be worked out during the initial consult for Childbirth Doula services, however, if
you are only seeking postpartum services, the visits are much the same. Initially, you consultation will consist of a round-about
view of services sought and offered, and what your expectations are.
Our Doulas are either trained in Breastfeeding Management, or a Lactation Specialist will be available at no extra cost to you.
The initial consultation is either by phone or in person before your baby is born.
The first visit is conducted in your home, to familiarize the Doula with the layout an environment of your home and is conducted
before the baby is born.
The first postpartum visit is usually within the first day or two home, or possibly in the hospital if you did not have a Childbirth
Doula.
Other visits happen at the schedule you set with your Doula, based on your personal needs.
We can and do tailor all of our Doula Services according to each individual family's unique needs. If you have any questions
about our services, or would like to schedule a consultation or would like to plan a free home visit, please contact us!
| Amy Jones amy@wholemotheringcenter.com Amy is currently working towards her certification as a childbirth and postpartum doula through DONA. She has many years of supporting mothers in Southeast Texas, and has worked with several mothers in the Beaumont area before and during their births. She would love to work with you and your family to help you achieve the birth you want! |
| A Look at Doula & Mother's Helper Services |
What is a 'Mother's Helper'?
A mother's helper is a woman who comes into your home to help a mother out while she is at home. This may be primarily to
look after the children while Mom gets some things done around the house, or she may come in to help with tasks like packing
or preparing for a trip or party. Mother's helpers do NOT function as babysitters. The mother or father of the children (or other
guardian) is always in the same location. This helps ease the minds of a lot of parents who need help, but don't necessarily
want to leave their precious children in the care of strangers.
How does this service differ from Postpartum Doula services?
While a postpartum doula is mainly focused on helping a new mother adjust to her new role and help her care for her new baby,
establish breastfeeding and help keep general order in the household, a mother's helper may do any of those things and more,
including working with out-of-town families who need help while staying briefly in our area.
Another difference is that a doula will often have a much closer relationship with the family she is working with. Often, the
relationship begins before the baby's birth and is continued long afterwards. A mother's helper, though dedicated to her career,
may work with families on an "on-call" basis. Of course, we hope that you develop a relationship with your Mother's Helper and
call often to engage her services!
A mother's helper is a woman who comes into your home to help a mother out while she is at home. This may be primarily to
look after the children while Mom gets some things done around the house, or she may come in to help with tasks like packing
or preparing for a trip or party. Mother's helpers do NOT function as babysitters. The mother or father of the children (or other
guardian) is always in the same location. This helps ease the minds of a lot of parents who need help, but don't necessarily
want to leave their precious children in the care of strangers.
How does this service differ from Postpartum Doula services?
While a postpartum doula is mainly focused on helping a new mother adjust to her new role and help her care for her new baby,
establish breastfeeding and help keep general order in the household, a mother's helper may do any of those things and more,
including working with out-of-town families who need help while staying briefly in our area.
Another difference is that a doula will often have a much closer relationship with the family she is working with. Often, the
relationship begins before the baby's birth and is continued long afterwards. A mother's helper, though dedicated to her career,
may work with families on an "on-call" basis. Of course, we hope that you develop a relationship with your Mother's Helper and
call often to engage her services!
Heather Thomas heather@wholemotheringcenter.com
Heather is currently working towards her certification
as a childbirth and postpartum doula through DONA.
She has worked extensively with new mothers as a
breastfeeding educator and postpartum doula since
2005 and she is dedicated to helping you have the
birthing experience you're looking for!
Heather is currently working towards her certification
as a childbirth and postpartum doula through DONA.
She has worked extensively with new mothers as a
breastfeeding educator and postpartum doula since
2005 and she is dedicated to helping you have the
birthing experience you're looking for!