Doulas of North America or DONA
defines a doula as follows
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they began breastfeeding more easily.
A Birth Doula
Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
Stays with the woman throughout the labor
Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint,
as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
What's a Doula?
PREGNANT?
YOU DESERVE A DOULA!
Mothers who have consistent emotional and physical support during labor, outside that provided by the medical community have experienced the following in their birth experience:
- Less Medical Interventions
- Shorter Labors with Fewer Complications
- Lower C-Section Rate
- Healthier Babies
- Breastfeed more quickly, easily and successfully
- More Satisfaction with their Birth overall
- Higher sense of Self-Esteem and Accomplishment.
StephanieAMayne@gmail.com 616.706.1040
Jake & Shelly
preparing for birth
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you…” – Jeremiah 1:5
"Stephanie supported and comforted me when my "birth plan" didn't go as planned."
Lisa, client 2009
