Disclaimer
The information contained on this website is of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. The information is not meant
to replace the recommendations or advice of your midwife or doctor. Please consult your midwife or doctor regarding your health care.
The information contained on this website is of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. The information is not meant
to replace the recommendations or advice of your midwife or doctor. Please consult your midwife or doctor regarding your health care.
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What Kind of Care Can I Expect if I Choose a Doula?
A trained labor support specialist is likely to be your best option for optimal labor support. Most
often, your doula gets to know you well before your due date and becomes your close confidant. She
stays with you throughout labor; she does not change shifts or go on an extended break. If you want
her to be, she will be close to you, and in physical contact with you, nearly all of the time. She offers a
wide variety of physical comfort measures, as well as emotional and verbal support including
reassurance, encouragement, and honest praise. Your doula is able to suggest ways to improve
progress or ease discomfort. She can explain what is happening or interpret what hospital staff have
said. She may also help you communicate your needs to hospital staff and support decisions that you
and your partner have made.
A doula looks after your partner as well, acting as a resource and guide and making sure your partner's
needs are met. As desired, these needs may include helping him find beneficial ways to support you.
Some couples wonder if having a doula will disturb the privacy and intimacy of labor and birth; in fact,
a doula can help to protect privacy and create an intimate atmosphere in a busy, institutional setting.
A doula usually meets with you 2-3 times before your due date to learn your personal preferences,
priorities, or concerns, and to supply information on procedures and beneficial pain relief options.
She is likely to attend to your early labor needs, before you have the need to transport to your desired
place of active labor and birth. Your doula will be by your side when you desire her to be. You may
choose to labor at home for a while or even take a walk in a nearby park, and if desired, your doula will
be with you. After your baby is born, she stays with you an hour or two to help facilitate initial
breastfeeding. Most doulas are also available in the days after the birth of your baby to provide
information, reassurance, non-medical advice, and referrals.
often, your doula gets to know you well before your due date and becomes your close confidant. She
stays with you throughout labor; she does not change shifts or go on an extended break. If you want
her to be, she will be close to you, and in physical contact with you, nearly all of the time. She offers a
wide variety of physical comfort measures, as well as emotional and verbal support including
reassurance, encouragement, and honest praise. Your doula is able to suggest ways to improve
progress or ease discomfort. She can explain what is happening or interpret what hospital staff have
said. She may also help you communicate your needs to hospital staff and support decisions that you
and your partner have made.
A doula looks after your partner as well, acting as a resource and guide and making sure your partner's
needs are met. As desired, these needs may include helping him find beneficial ways to support you.
Some couples wonder if having a doula will disturb the privacy and intimacy of labor and birth; in fact,
a doula can help to protect privacy and create an intimate atmosphere in a busy, institutional setting.
A doula usually meets with you 2-3 times before your due date to learn your personal preferences,
priorities, or concerns, and to supply information on procedures and beneficial pain relief options.
She is likely to attend to your early labor needs, before you have the need to transport to your desired
place of active labor and birth. Your doula will be by your side when you desire her to be. You may
choose to labor at home for a while or even take a walk in a nearby park, and if desired, your doula will
be with you. After your baby is born, she stays with you an hour or two to help facilitate initial
breastfeeding. Most doulas are also available in the days after the birth of your baby to provide
information, reassurance, non-medical advice, and referrals.
| Notice: the photos on this site are used by me with permission from my clients, please out of respect, do not copy or reproduce any of these photos. Thank You. Mary E. Smits |
A member of the
| Mary E. Smits, CD, CBE Certified Doula and Childbirth Educator Childbirth International 920-759-0771 and 920-475-5313 |
| ...Yes, she reaches out her hands to those in need. Proverbs 31:20 |