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Pregnant? You deserve a doula!
Posted by: honoringwomen (IP Logged)
Date: September 12, 2009 05:20PM

you can go to www.honoringwomen.com or watch the slideshow below. You can also find us on Facebook under Honoringwomen !
Why would someone need a doula?
A woman that didn't have support or if they felt she needed more support would need a doula. Perhaps she doesn’t feel that at that time she would be an effective advocate for herself and she would want someone who isn't emotionally involved. Maybe she wants someone to be there just for her to make sure all her needs are met that don't correspond with what care providers usually provide.
I would recommend a Doula to anyone. It's like bringing your childbirth educator teacher with you to the birth and knowing no matter what you forget, she will be there, right by your side, to remind you, care for you, and give you the information you need to enhance your birth experience. We are here to give support to both the mother and father at their special time. The mother won't feel alone if the dad needs to take a break and the father won't feel guilt, leaving the mother alone. We are effective advocates for following the parent's birth plan and helping them through difficult periods.

Doulas. . .

recognize birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember the rest of her life.
understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a laboring woman.
assist the mother and father in preparing for their birth and carrying out their birth plans.
stay by the side of the mother throughout her entire labor.
provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the mother in getting the information she needs to make an informed decision.
encourage communication between the laboring mother, her partner and clinical care providers.
perceive her role as one who nurtures and protects the mother's memory of her birth experience.


Doulas do not provide any medical care. They do not replace doctors or midwives.
Current research has shown that in using a Professional Doula during labor provides you with the following benefits:

Affordability -- In these trying economic times, I will work with you to make it affordable and include bartering as payment for partial services. Generally an average cost for Doula services in South Florida ranges between $500.00 to $2,000.00 depending on where you live, what services are offered and the doula’s experience. It is not unusual for a more experienced Doula (i.e. someone with nursing experience and years of experience as a Doula) to charge on the higher end and a less experienced or student Doula to charge on the lower end.
Convenience -- I can come to your home during early labor before you go to the hospital.
Flexibility -- In my prices and in your labor and birthing options.
Break the Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle through constant education and support.
Constant presence of the Doula throughout your pregnancy and from the beginning of your labor until 1-2 hours after birth.
50% reduction in cesarean rate

Reduced desire for pain medication.

40% reduced need of pitocin

Fewer episiotomies

Reduced duration of labor (average 2 hours less for first-time mothers)

Reduced use of forceps and vacuum extraction prcedures

Reduced chances for health complications and hospitalizations for baby

Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection

Reduced maternal bleeding following birth

Increased chances of successful breastfeeding

Reduced incidence of postpartum depression

Reduced levels of anxiety/Better mother-infant interaction

More positive birth experience for mother and partner

Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth
In light of these benefits more and more Insurance Companies are choosing to reimburse for Doula Services. Check with your Insurance Carrier to inquire if they do.

The Father & Doula team:
By having a Doula, he can participate at his own comfort level without having to remember "everything" that he and mom learned in childbirth class. Studies show that fathers also experience fear and tension during the mother's labor. A doula's presence and knowledge can break the fear-tension-pain cycle for the mother and father. Many times fathers worry that they are not doing enough or the right thing. A Doula helps him to care for and support his partner by giving suggestions, providing encouragement or giving much needed breaks during a long labor.



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