Why A Doula?

What do Doulas do?

I'm so glad you asked! As of July 2023, Medicaid realized how making an investment in doulas improves pregnancy, birth & postpartum experiences.  
According to Studies, Doulas are: 

• Reducing C-sections by up to 50%
• Reducing Epidurals up to 60%
• Shortening Labor Time by 25%
• Reducing the need for Pitocin (synthetic Oxytocin) by 40%
• Reducing the Need for Pain Relief by 30%
• Reduced Instrumental Delivery (like Forceps or Vacuum) by 40%

How, you say?

I'm so glad you asked that too! While doulas provide emotional, physical, & informational support, they are also trained to understand birth at a deep physiological level by understanding:

• Positionings & Movements to help Labor Progress & Prevent Malpresentation.
• Coping Methods that help Laboring women get well established into a rhythm of active labor so they do not risk getting an epidural too early or they may not need one at all.
• The Sacredness of YOUR natural Oxytocin and preventing unnecessary medical interventions.  

Physical 

Positions

Doulas are "Pelvic Biomechanic" Nerds!

We understand that being 'stuck' on your back will sometimes lead to baby being just that-"stuck", in weird positions. Movement & Position changes is how labor naturally works. This doesn't mean exhausting, or difficult positions. Sometimes it is as simple as "lift this foot slightly" or "turn this knee in" to help baby navigate the pelvis. It's science!  

Comfort

Doulas are Coping Method Queens We know age-old techniques for relieving pain with counterpressure, massage,  & comfort measure tools that fit your needs.  In our birth bags we have things like a Rebozo, Tens Unit, massage tools, hot/cold therapy, & more! 

Emotional

Empathy

We are not "just" Doulas, we are also moms. 

We have been here, right where you are, and KNOW how tough it can be, but we also KNOW how tough you can be, too!  We sympathize with you.

Labor is not a cookie-cutter experience and the outdated model of drugging women up so they stay quiet & lay still in the bed, is not where it's at.  

Empowerment

Studies have shown that continuous labor support improves birth outcomes.

When a woman feels isolated or without trusted support, she subconsciously does not feel safe. Her natural oxytocin can shut down causing labor to not progress as smoothly or as straightforward as it should. The Effects of Fear in Labor are proven to increase tension and lower your threshold for pain, and that all points to the power of the mind. 

Doulas understand how important productive thoughts, affirmations, & stimuli  increases natural Oxytocin and even helps block out pain signals.  

Informational

Informed Consent

As fellow moms we know what it is like to NOT know what is happening during labor or to find out after the birth, or even years down the road. Doctors & nurses are not always going to  remember to give informed consent or explain why an intervention is truly necessary (and when it is truly NOT). We give you facts so that YOU can take time to make YOUR OWN informed decisions. 

Advocacy

When you develop your birth plan we are there to help see to it that, as long as nothing is medically necessary, your wishes are met.  Sometimes you are too focused in labor or too overjoyed holding your new baby that the birth plan can go out the window. Doulas make sure you & your baby have a solid birth plan in place and that nurses & doctors are all on the same page.

Leave us a message!