Doula Support
The word doula (doo-lah) comes from the ancient Greek meaning "servant" 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 4th trimester.
Regardless of the type of birth you are planning – medicated birth, unmedicated birth, surgical birth, vaginal birth after cesarean, waterbirth, hospital, home, or birth center birth – a doula is an invaluable, resourceful presence to have at your side, providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to you and your birth support team before, during, and after childbirth.
“The woman about to become a mother, or with her newborn infant upon her bosom, should be the object of trembling care and sympathy wherever she bears her tender burden, or stretches her aching limbs.”
— OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
Labor Doulas Provide
2 Prenatal Meetings
We understand the experience is one you will reflect on and remember for the rest of your life
We understand the physiology of birth and your emotional needs during labor
Continuous Labor Support
We’ll assist you in preparing for and carrying out your preferences for birth
We’ll stay with you throughout labor
We’ll provide informational support
Allow your birth support team to participate at their comfort level
1 Postpartum Meeting*
Help you and your support team make informed decisions
Provide suggestions for physical comfort techniques
*Fees based upon experience
Studies prove that women supported by a labor support professional during labor and childbirth reap these benefits:
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS:
Reduced levels of anxiety
Mother's have more positive reviews of their birth experience
Mothers have acute sensitivity toward their newborns
Mothers feel secure and have more confidence
Reduced incidences of postpartum depression
PHYSICAL BENEFITS:
25% shorter labor
50% reduction in cesarean rate
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in the use of pain medications
40% reduction in forceps delivery
“Utilizing a Labor Doula may be one of the best decisions you make for your birth. The role of your Doula solely exists to serve you and your birth partner, assisting you to have the most comfortable and fulfilling birth experience possible.”
— Tara Garner, Founder of Nova
Postpartum Doulas
Your pregnancy lasted 40 weeks, but the full cycle of your childbearing year is not complete until your body is well rested and recovered from the total transformation of pregnancy and birth. At NOVA, we believe that care and support during the the postpartum period, more accurately described as the "fourth trimester" (the first 12 weeks after birth), is crucial to the health and happiness of your new family.
Allow one of our professional postpartum doulas to assist your family in household chores, errands, childcare needs (for your newborn and older children), meal preparation—while offering knowledge and resources for mother’s healing, newborn care, breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Having the presence of a caring and knowledgeable support person during a time when mom should be most focused on recovering and bonding with their baby is an invaluable investment. Our postpartum doulas allow mom, dad, siblings and family members to ease into their new roles and focus their energies on the baby and one other.
Benefits of a Postpartum Doula
Studies show that women cared for by a postpartum doula, compared to those who went without, experienced:
greater breastfeeding success
greater self-confidence
less postpartum depression
a significantly more positive outcome for the family
*Labor Doula info was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth,
Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).
*Postpartum Info from “DONA International Position Paper: The Postpartum Doula’s Role in Maternity Care”(2006).