Birth Doula Services

So, What Does a Doula Do?

I love.  I listen.  I empower.  I massage.

I believe.  I whisper.  I rock.  I touch. 

I breathe. I thank. I witness.  I praise. 

I soothe.  I dance.  I encourage.  I hope.

I laugh.  I cry.  I dream.  I love.

(by Kat Hickey)

Overview | FAQ | Testimonials | Payment

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves."

When we hear the word Doula now, it is used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a pregnant mother before, during and after birth.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend a birth, labors are shorter with few er complications, babies are healthier and they breast feed more easily.

As a Birth Doula, I will:

• Recognize birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life.
• Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
• Assist the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth.
• Stay with the woman throughout the labor and delivery experience.
• Provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint.
• Assist the woman and her partner in getting the information she needs to make an informed decision.
• Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers.
• Perceive my role as a nurturer and protector of the woman and her memory of the birth experience.
• Assist the woman's partner so that he/she can participate at his/her own comfort level.

What benefits are there to using a Birth Doula?

Numerous clinical studies have found that a Doula’s presence at birth tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications, reduced negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience, reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans, and reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals.

Research shows that parents who receive the support that a Doula can offer feel more secure and cared for.  They are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics.  They have greater success with breastfeeding.  They also have greater self-confidence, along with less postpartum depression, and there is a lower incidence of abuse.

Enjoy this YouTube clip by Penny Simkin on the benefits of using a Birth Doula during delivery.     YouTube Clip

How will you assist me and my family with the birth of our child?

As a Birth Doula I will assist the mother and her partner a few weeks before labor and help them prepare a birth plan, and also during labor and delivery. I provide both emotional and physical support as well as comfort measures when needed. I will check in on mom and baby after the birth, and make one home visit postpartum as well.

Can a Doula help if I'm having a C-Section?

Yes!  During and after the operation, I will be the only person whose sole responsibility it is to look after your well being. If your baby needs to be taken out of the room or even to the other side of the room, your partner will most likely go with him or her.  That means that while you are being sewn up, without a Doula you could be all alone.  I can also be a sounding board during the planning process to help you figure out what will make your c-section birth more meaningful, and I can assist you in prepairing a birth plan.  I will stay by your side until after the drugs wear off and you have a chance to nurse your baby comfortably.  I can also be a valuable resource for you and your family after you are released from the hospital.

What experience and training do you have?

I have experience with the labor and delivery of my own three children, all natural childbirths with minimal medication, each one unique in their own way.

I assisted my daughter as her birthing partner six years ago when my first grandchild was born, and one year ago I assisted a friend and her husband with the birth of their second child.

As a trained Doula I have also completed two first time births, one all natural with no medications and the other with the use of an Epidural.  

I have completed all the hands on training there is and now need to get experience in the delivery room. Please give me a call at 330-721-9357 if you think that I can be of assistance to you during this miraculous time in your life!

What Others Have to Say

"Debbie is the type of person that makes you feel like family the first time you meet her. She makes you feel comfortable with whatever you need to discuss with her. When she asked me if she could be the Doula during the birth of my second child, I said "yes" without hesitation. She was perfectly prepared for the pain I had during labor, and when she worked on my low back it was like the pain instantly dissipated! I would recommend her to anyone looking for a way to ease the stress of labor, and you'll know why the minute you meet her!" --- Randi Suliks

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Your support during our long labor was invaluable.  We never would have made it without your calming influence and willingness to help out in any way we asked.  You are a wonderful Doula!"  --- Rachel and Andy Mathews

Fee

The fee for my Doula services is $250.  I will meet you for an interview so that you can decide if my services meet your expectations.  I will come to your home once before labor, and then the day when you go into labor.  I will go to the hospital with you and remain with you for up to two hours after you deliver.  Upon your return home, I will come for a visit a week or two after delivery. 

A $50 deposit is require to secure my services, with the remainder due no later than two weeks after you deliver your baby.  

Once you are established as a Doula client, you can receive pre-natal massages at the discounted rate of $40 per hour.  You also have the option of receiving infant massage instructions after you and your baby are home.         

Please feel free to call me with any questions regarding my Doula services, or the fees I am charging. 

330-721-9357

$50
$100
$200