WHAT IS A DOULA?

Doula is a Greek word that means “woman’s caregiver.” In recent years, Doula has come to mean a woman who assists other women during birth, labor & delivery, and/or postpartum with TLC, practical help, birthing support, and useful information. In short, a Doula is a trained and sympathetic companion for a woman who is on the journey of Motherhood. We encourage you to read the articles on this site to get a clear, detailed picture of a Doula's role in helping women to have a peaceful and happy birth.

Some benefits of having a Doula continuously present during labor and delivery include:

• Fewer interventions (for example, oxytocin, caesarean section, and epidural)

• An enhanced breastfeeding experience

• Better mother-baby bonding

• Less postpartum depression and anxiety, and greatly enhanced self-esteem and confidence

(Courtesy of Penny Simkin, P.T., C.D.)

POSTPARTUM DOULAS

Beach Baby’s Doula Services will be offering the services of postpartum Doulas in the near future. These ladies will nurture you and provide whatever is needed after the baby is born. This way, you can concentrate your full love and attention toward this beautiful little being during the period immediately following the birth. The postpartum Doula will be DONA trained and certified, as are all of our Doulas. If you are interested in this training for yourself, please contact us.

Prior to assigning a Doula, you will meet with our Doula coordinator to discuss your individual needs and desires. Then, that special Doula is assigned, the one who will be most appropriate for your family. We understand that this match is important in creating a relationship that will be harmonious throughout your pregnancy and birth, and it is important to us that the match be a good one. You will then visit with the assigned Doula to see if the match is a good fit for you. We have a number of Doulas in our group, so we are confident that you will find someone with whom you can form a lasting bond during this experience.

You and your Doula will meet several times during your pregnancy to discuss things such as your birth plan and her level of participation . Your Doula will be available to you throughout your pregnancy, providing a source of comfort and support. Remember, your Doula is not a medical provider and DOES NOT REPLACE YOUR DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE with regard to questions concerning your health. Rather, she will work with your health care providers to offer you a very wholistic experience.

You and your Doula will decide on the best time for her to join you during labor. For some women, the Doula is needed during early labor at home, and will then accompany you to the chosen birthing place. For other women, early labor is a private time to be shared with a partner, so the Doula will meet you at the birthing place once you are in a more active phase of labor. You and your Doula will make this decision together, as your pregnancy progresses and you and your partner develop a personal birth plan.

When you decide it is time for your Doula to be present, you will call her at the appropriate time and she will join you, staying with you throughout labor and birth, providing uninterrupted support. The Doula will remain with you after the birth as well, to assist and support you in whatever way you may need. Your Doula has knowledge and experience in breast-feeding, and will provide assistance with this process as well. The average postpartum stay for a Doula is 2 hours, after which time she will leave you to rest and reflect on this momentous day.

Your Doula will pay a postpartum visit to your home 1-2 weeks after the birth of your child. The purpose of this visit is to help you integrate your birth experience, a process that will take the two of you about two hours together. This NOT a medical visit, and any questions regarding your health or the health of your baby should be directed to your medical providers. You may continue to have phone contact with your Doula in the postpartum period as you wish, and she will refer your questions to the appropriate resources if necessary. For example, if you are having problems with breast-feeding, she may refer you to our lactation counselor. 

Many a Doula and birthing family create a bond that lasts a lifetime, and we honor this continued friendship. However, our Doula's official role and accessibility ends with her postpartum visit to you.