Denver Birth Doula

What is a birth doula and what is my role?

The word “Doula” is actually a Greek word, meaning a woman who serves. From a historical perspective, the term doula was used to refer to a lay person (or non-medical person) who attended and supported friends and family members during labor. The modern definition of the word refers to a specially trained birth companion providing emotional and physical support during the labor process.

To me, the importance of having a doula is that the doula is the only member of the birthing team (including physicians, midwifes, nurses, and more) who is entirely focused on your physical comfort and emotional well-being during and after the birthing process.

The physical, or comfort measures, that I provide including massage, requesting position changes, applying hot or cold packs, coaching through breathing techniques, and other skills that I have learned through my own childbirth experience, formal training, and experience as a doula. As for emotional support, I provide reflective listening, reassurance, and positive presence and thoughts to increase your confidence, satisfaction, and success during labor!

What are the benefits of having a doula?

First and foremost, I am solely focused on your physical comfort and emotional well-being. Your medical providers attention is not only focused on the medical aspects of childbirth, but it is also split between multiple different people. Their formal training is in medicine and making sure that your baby is healthy, not the comfort or emotions of the mother.

On the other hand, my training is in the art of labor support, providing the emotional support and non-medical physical support to improve your experience in labor and childbirth.

Secondly, having a doula is proven to help you have a shorter, more successful birth with less interventions.

While the reasons for this exactly are unclear, there have been numerous studies and trials showing that doulas help mothers have more successful births with less complications. In over 20 randomized clinical trials, including over 15,000 women, mothers with the support of doulas were 28% less like to have a cesarean section and 24% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively.

What does working with me include?

If you are interested in working with me as your doula, we begin with a meeting via Zoom or in-person, whichever you are more comfortable with, to discuss what your expectations for childbirth are, your birth plan, and what is important for you to have during this experience.

We continue with two prenatal visits at your home to assist in preparing you for your childbirth experience and to impart any advice to you that will help you along the way. I also like to accompany you to two doctors visits (closer to the birth) so that the doctor is familiar with me and understands that I am part of your birthing team!

From 2 weeks prior to your due date I am “on call”, ready and waiting for a phone call, text message, or any form of communication letting me know that you are in active labor and your new child is ready to make their entrance into this world.

During the birth I am with you the entire time (with a few small breaks depending on how long the labor process is) providing emotional support and physical comfort to you. Once your new baby is born, I typically spend about one to two hours with you before making my exit to allow you to get some rest and some alone time with your new child.

I make one final visit to your home about 1 week after the birth to answer any questions you may have on latching, sleeping, and baby care, as well as provide a postpartum depression evaluation.