What is
a Doula?
Just like any other major life change, birth requires careful consideration of options, research, and someone caring and knowledgeable to guide you through the process. Would you choose a college without touring it first? Take a job without an interview? Buy a house without a realtor or mortgage broker? Probably not. There's no reason to go into the birth of your child--possibly the most life-changing process possible-- without knowledge, preparation and support.
Complete Doula Care
All Belly to Cradle Doula Care Clients Receive:
- Unlimited Prenatal Phone & Email Support.
- Prenatal information & evidence-based resources.
- Care Provider Communication Support.
- Options to integrate Rebozo, Spinning Babies, & Hypnobabies into your birth.
- Access to the Belly to Cradle Learning & Tools Library, and Client Portal
- On-Call, Customized, In-Person Support for Labor & Birth, including environmental comfort measures such as lighting and heat & cold therapy at your birth place.
- Tools, Tricks, & Tips for a more efficient, comfortable labor.
- Pictures with your camera before, during, and after birth.
- Immediate Postpartum & Breastfeeding Support (up to approximately 2-3 hours after birth).
- One Postpartum Support Appointment to discuss breastfeeding, infant care, early parenting, sleeping, and babywearing.
- Continued Breastfeeding & Early Parenting Support, including access to the Belly to Cradle Mommas & Babies Group on Facebook, and the Mom-Baby Circle play group.
- Check-in from one of our IBCLCs 3-4 days postpartum.
- Referrals and discounts for other trusted maternal service providers.
Essential Doula Care |
800 |
Minus 50% retainer at booking NOTE: $100 added fee for births outside Escambia or Santa Rosa Counties |
(2) 90-minute prenatal visits with your doula to discuss birth preferences & goals |
On-Call Doula Care |
550 |
Minus 50% retainer at booking; first time parents must take childbirth education in order to utilize this package. NOTE: $100 added fee for births outside Escambia or Santa Rosa Counties |
Complete Doula Care from an on-call doula |
Check-in phone calls from an on-call doula in each trimester (in place of in-person prenatal appointments) |
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is a doula?
A doula is a professional labor and birth companion--a sort of birth "guide". Unlike any other care provider, your doula is with you physically throughout the duration of your labor and birth providing education, information, comfort, logistical support, and techniques to make your labor easier, and more enjoyable.
What does a doula do?
A doula provides:
What does a doula not do?
A doula does not:
Why should you hire a doula?
By hiring a doula, research shows you may:
What is the difference between a doula and a family member or friend?
Doulas are professionally educated on the risks, benefits, and implementation of birthing routines and interventions as well as helpful techniques for birth positioning, and comfort measures. In addition, doulas, while emotionally engaged and invested, are not related or connected as strongly as a friend or family member. This provides a certain measure of neutrality when it comes to communication as well as a strength even when seeing you uncomfortable or vulnerable. A friend or family member may also not be familiar with the emotional intensity, or the sensory experience that come with the birthing process. This may hinder them from being able to provide their undivided attention.
A doula is a professional labor and birth companion--a sort of birth "guide". Unlike any other care provider, your doula is with you physically throughout the duration of your labor and birth providing education, information, comfort, logistical support, and techniques to make your labor easier, and more enjoyable.
What does a doula do?
A doula provides:
- education, support, and resources prior to birth
- continuous physical and emotional support from early labor through the immediate postpartum
- techniques for labor progression
- tricks, tips, and tools to maintain your comfort and relieve discomfort
- support for your partner, including giving them the ability to take a break, as well as giving them tips to enhance their role as primary support
- a listening ear when you have questions, fears, and concerns
- communication support so you and your partner can better voice concerns and questions to your caregiver
- emotional support postpartum
- support in your new role as a parent
- birth processing in the postpartum period to work through any road blocks you faced through the process
- breastfeeding & early parenting support
What does a doula not do?
A doula does not:
- Speak for you
- Make decisions for you
- Provide medical advice
- Perform clinical tasks
- Contradict or argue with your caregiver
- Take the place of your partner as primary support (unless your partner is unable to act as primary support)
Why should you hire a doula?
By hiring a doula, research shows you may:
- reduce your chances of having a c-section or forceps delivery
- reduce your chances of using interventions
- have less pain
- have a shorter labor
- increase breastfeeding success
- have a better overall birth experience
What is the difference between a doula and a family member or friend?
Doulas are professionally educated on the risks, benefits, and implementation of birthing routines and interventions as well as helpful techniques for birth positioning, and comfort measures. In addition, doulas, while emotionally engaged and invested, are not related or connected as strongly as a friend or family member. This provides a certain measure of neutrality when it comes to communication as well as a strength even when seeing you uncomfortable or vulnerable. A friend or family member may also not be familiar with the emotional intensity, or the sensory experience that come with the birthing process. This may hinder them from being able to provide their undivided attention.