Because Mothers Need Mothering Too
Doula is Greek for "servant" and is the term given to a woman who provides
postpartum support to new mothers. The job of the doula is to "mother the mother".
The doula is there to help the mother make the postpartum experience as smooth as possible.
Studies indicate that proper nurturing to the new mother speeds recovery, aides in the
bonding of mother and baby, and decreases the chances of postpartum depression. There is
higher success in the continuation of breastfeeding, and a reduced incidence of child abuse.
A doula can be any woman capable of providing doula services by way of experience
and/or temperament. Usually these are women who have children themselves and have had
successful breastfeeding experiences. Many doulas have attended workshops that help
them prepare to provide doula services. A doula may also be certified through a
national postpartum organization.
A doula does whatever needs to be done in order to support the family during this
sensitive period of adjustment. This may include: dishwashing, straightening up, laundry,
preparing meals, keeping mom's water or juice glass filled, playing with and reading to
siblings, errands, massaging mom's head and feet, answering the phone, scheduling
appointments and visitors, holding the baby while mom showers or bathes, calling La
Leche League, providing encouraging words, wiping away tears, being there.
Doulas are experienced in providing excellent mother-to-mother support. They know
basic household skills and management of the home environment during the early weeks
after a baby is born. She is familiar with normal newborn behavior and the normal
processes of the postpartum period. She is aware of the danger signs and/or symptoms of
the postpartum period for mother and baby. She has experience with breastfeeding and
can assist the new mother in attaining confidence in her own abilities. Doulas have
access to an extensive reference list of support groups, agencies and other helpful
individuals. Doulas are not medical care workers or nurses and will not give medical
advice. Doulas try to work with the family's individual parenting style. Most of all,
she knows how to be a friend.
Women without support from family and/or friends due to distance or prior
responsibilities, first time mothers, mothers needing help with other children while
recovering, those recovering from cesarean deliveries, mothers needing breastfeeding
support, women with twins, adoptive mothers, or any other mother needing extra help from
someone who cares.
Doula services run from $12-$15 per hour, depending on desired services. This is a
greatly reduced cost, compared to the much higher cost of a lengthy hospital stay or
even unnecessary home nurse visits. We believe that doulas are a cost effective way
to provide the care and support that you need.
Our philosophy is to promote happy, healthy, close families. In order to do so, we support
our doulas and their families. To be flexible in providing services when you request
them, we like to include our own children when possible, while caring for you and your
family. We encourage you to consider this philosophy as a symbol of our dedication to
all families. The new mother's wishes will always be respected and any desire to
exclude the doula's child or children will be taken into account. The new mother comes
first and will receive the best care possible.
"I have never recovered at such a rapid rate! I was able to concentrate
on myself and the baby. I knew my family's needs were not sacrificed."
... D.B., mother of three
"The doula was responsive to all my needs. She was willing to do
literally anything to aide my recovery. I feel like I was cared for by the
sister I never had."
... D.R., mother of two, Cesarean Birth
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