What is a doula

A Doula is defined by DONA (Doulas of North America) International : "[one] who accompanies a woman in labor, mothers the mother,
taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance
their experiences of birth."

In my mind, a Doula is your support partner. You may be thinking "But I have an OB/Midwife for that reason!" Your OB or midwife is likely to
be very busy with other clients at the time of your birth. They will most likely not be able to stay with you your entire labor. That's my job.
Whatever you need, I help you with.

Now you may be thinking "But that is my husband's job! He'll be there the entire time!" And he will! But keep in mind, this is probably all new to
him, too, or at least he might be a little excited that his little one is almost here! Under that sort of pressure, it is no wonder that daddies forget
a lot of the "stuff" taught at parenting classes. Depending on what you choose my role to be, I can act as your labor partner as your husband
holds your hand, or I can give gentle guidance to your husband to remind him what to do! It is a very personal choice.

A Doula has also been known to run a few errands, walk a couple of dogs, drop a few kids off at the baby-sitters, and make sure the coffee
maker is, in fact, off. In short, a Doula does anything to make sure the laboring mother is comfortable, mind, body, and spirit!

		50% reduction in the cesarean rate
		25% shorter labor
		60% reduction in epidural requests
		40% reduction in oxytocin use
		30% reduction in analgesia use
		40% reduction in forceps delivery

Information was obtained from Mothering The

Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter,
Easier, and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and
Klaus

(As taken from DONA International)

1. What training and education do you have?

2. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?

3. When do you try to join women in labor - at our home or at the place of birth?

4. Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?

5. May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?

6. Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?

7. What is your fee, what services does it include and what are your refund policies?

8. Will you provide references?

What IS a Doula?

Benefits of having a trained Doula:

Questions to Ask A Doula

Frederick Doula
Birth Doula and Lactation Support