Simply put, a doula (pronounced "doo - lah") is a professional labor assistant.
But what does that mean?It means that as your doula, I will provide support and encouragement in a wide variety of ways before, during, and after the birth of your baby.
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If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it. |
Doulas are the most positive innovation I've seen. And that's because they fit in anywhere: at home, at the hospital, at birth centers. |
Isn’t my partner supposed to do all that? Will their role be threatened if I use a doula?I consider it a priority to ensure that your partner is free to fully participate in the birth experience with you. Partners need support, too! Freeing your partner to truly be with you - to be physically and emotionally present for the birth of their child - is one of my most important roles as a doula.
I’m the birth partner - what does a doula do for me?My role as doula is to support the entire family. This means you can go to the bathroom, grab a bite to eat, or if birthing is particularly long, even take a nap without worrying about leaving your partner laboring alone. It means you can fully participate in the birth of your child at whatever level you are most comfortable. If you’d prefer to take pictures and leave things like massage up to me, you can. If you’d prefer to be the one massaging or holding your partner's hand, I can take the pictures, fetch water, and deal with any other tasks that may come up. As your doula, I tend to the details, leaving you free to focus on what’s really important to you.
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Wait, isn’t this what nurses do?Many nurses are willing and happy to do these things, but unfortunately their other duties often interfere. A nurse’s first priority is to monitor your physical health and that of your baby, and they often have more than one patient whose care they are responsible for. Nurses rarely have the time to help with things related to comfort and support, and they are often pleased to learn that you have hired a doula.
What if I just want you to take pictures or video?Then that’s exactly what I’ll do! We can discuss the types of pictures you’re interested in to ensure your comfort with the level of modesty. Birth pictures can be very touching mementos and still preserve a high level of modesty, or if you prefer, can record a variety of details. (Note: Some hospitals will not allow you to record or take photos of the actual birth. If this important to you, make sure you ask ahead of time!)
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No one who has ever brought up a child can doubt for a moment that love is literally the life-giving fluid of human existence. |
What if I decide during labor that I want an epidural - will you support that?In a word, yes! As your doula, I will support whatever option you feel is right for you. I believe in the compassionate use of medication for laboring women, when appropriate and requested. As each birthing person has unique needs, this issue will be discussed in detail at our prenatal visits, so that I will have a complete understanding of how to best support your wishes during birthing.
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I am planning to have a homebirth - do I still need a doula?This depends on your preferences and on your midwife. Some midwives work with apprentices who will fill the role of a doula. Most midwives offer a very high level of emotional support, regardless of whether they work alone or with apprentices. There are benefits to hiring a doula separately, however. You can interview several doulas to ensure the best relationship. Also, having a doula at your homebirth ensures that the level of emotional support will be maintained even in the event of an emergency, during which the midwife and apprentice could be too busy to offer much emotional support. As your doula, I will also provide an increased level of postpartum support.
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My religious beliefs are very important to me; are you the same religion as I am?I believe that birth can be a deeply spiritual experience, and I encourage all of my clients to explore how they can best incorporate their religious and spiritual beliefs in their birth, if that feels important to them. I have the greatest respect for my clients’ religious beliefs and experiences. I have found that I am always able to find common beliefs with my clients, regardless of the similarity or disparity of our religion or spirituality. I would be happy to discuss this in more detail with you.
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Professional birth and postpartum doula, breastfeeding support and childbirth classes in Philadelphia, Delaware County (Delco) and the Main Line, including: Bala Cynwyd, Bryn Mawr, Center City, Fishtown, East Falls, Germantown, Havertown, Lansdowne, Media, Mt. Airy, Northern Liberties, Ridley Park, South Philly, Springfield, Swarthmore and the surrounding areas.
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