What is a Doula? - Doo Lah
A doula is an experienced companion who understands the emotional and physical needs of a woman and her family throughout pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period. A doula provides continuous support (non-medical) and care for a woman throughout her whole experience (Australian Doulas).
Traditionally, women have been attended by other women in birth for centuries. Many women choose to go into hospitals to
birth their babies taking with them their husbands/partners only. There is little passing on of real birthing knowledge from woman to woman.
Modern-day doulas are women who are trained in supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Their role is non-medical and can include supporting you emotionally and physically through pregnancy, labour and birth, providing you with information you need to make the right informed decisions for you, and helping you settle in to life with a new baby this can be anything from helping establishing feeding, talking through your worries or simply helping you rest.
A Doula is there to support the birthing woman but also to the father and family too.
Husbands and partners are great. No-one knows you like your husband or partner. However, a lot is expected of them - they are expected to know instinctively how to support you in a situation that they have never been in and that they may find this confronting and overwhelming.
During birth, the doula will work with and around the husband/partner. The doula will enable him to do as much as he wants to do, offering suggestions that may be helpful to the birthing woman. Doulas also enable husbands/partners to have a break or a sleep if they need. The experience of the husband/partner should be enhanced by having a doula present.
Traditionally, women have been attended by other women in birth for centuries. Many women choose to go into hospitals to
birth their babies taking with them their husbands/partners only. There is little passing on of real birthing knowledge from woman to woman.
Modern-day doulas are women who are trained in supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Their role is non-medical and can include supporting you emotionally and physically through pregnancy, labour and birth, providing you with information you need to make the right informed decisions for you, and helping you settle in to life with a new baby this can be anything from helping establishing feeding, talking through your worries or simply helping you rest.
A Doula is there to support the birthing woman but also to the father and family too.
Husbands and partners are great. No-one knows you like your husband or partner. However, a lot is expected of them - they are expected to know instinctively how to support you in a situation that they have never been in and that they may find this confronting and overwhelming.
During birth, the doula will work with and around the husband/partner. The doula will enable him to do as much as he wants to do, offering suggestions that may be helpful to the birthing woman. Doulas also enable husbands/partners to have a break or a sleep if they need. The experience of the husband/partner should be enhanced by having a doula present.
Why have a Doula?
Theres now alot of research showing doulas really do make a difference in labour and birth. The use of a doula has clear benefits for families during labour/birth and the postnatal period.
Doulas improve the overall outcome and experience of women giving birth. Studies have shown that when women use a doula during labour and birth, there are many benefits such as:
50% decrease in cesearean sections
25% decrease in length of labour times
30% decrease in the use of forceps
40% decrease in the use of synthetic oxytocin
60% decrease in the use of epidurals
30% decrease in the use of pain medications
These are just some of the positive reasons as to why a woman and her family would benefit from having a Doula by her side! And every woman should have the optimal support she deserves!
Doulas improve the overall outcome and experience of women giving birth. Studies have shown that when women use a doula during labour and birth, there are many benefits such as:
50% decrease in cesearean sections
25% decrease in length of labour times
30% decrease in the use of forceps
40% decrease in the use of synthetic oxytocin
60% decrease in the use of epidurals
30% decrease in the use of pain medications
These are just some of the positive reasons as to why a woman and her family would benefit from having a Doula by her side! And every woman should have the optimal support she deserves!
Antenatal & Birth Doula - Contact me for pricing
A Doula can be hired at any time in your pregnancy, but clearly the earlier you hire a doula the more time you have to establish a strong relationship with your doula, the more positive your experience will be.
I would like to meet with you at least twice before the birth of your baby (or babies!). The first visit is obligation-free and is for you to discuss your hopes and wishes for your birth and for us to get a know each other. If you decide to employ me as your doula, my services include:
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Minimum of 2 pre-natal visits
- 'On Call' from 38 weeks until birth (24/7)
- Full birth support for as long as your birth journey is
- Early Labour support from when you feel you need me whether that be at home or at hospital
- Post-natal visits usually 1-2 depending on individual needs
- Post-natal phone and email support
_ Breastfeeding support and referral
- A Back-up doula, like anyone unexpected things can happen and I am responsible for making sure you have the support you need and deserve.
Other things I can offer during labour are massage, aromatherapy.
Please remember a doula is not medically trained and I do not include any clinical procedures (such
as monitoring fetal heart rates, taking blood pressure, vaginal examinations, etc).
I would like to meet with you at least twice before the birth of your baby (or babies!). The first visit is obligation-free and is for you to discuss your hopes and wishes for your birth and for us to get a know each other. If you decide to employ me as your doula, my services include:
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Minimum of 2 pre-natal visits
- 'On Call' from 38 weeks until birth (24/7)
- Full birth support for as long as your birth journey is
- Early Labour support from when you feel you need me whether that be at home or at hospital
- Post-natal visits usually 1-2 depending on individual needs
- Post-natal phone and email support
_ Breastfeeding support and referral
- A Back-up doula, like anyone unexpected things can happen and I am responsible for making sure you have the support you need and deserve.
Other things I can offer during labour are massage, aromatherapy.
Please remember a doula is not medically trained and I do not include any clinical procedures (such
as monitoring fetal heart rates, taking blood pressure, vaginal examinations, etc).
Testimonials
I don't know what I would of done without you, you absolutely have a gift at supporting and empowering women. It was an absolute pleasure to have you there! Xxxx - Lisa, Perth