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What is a Doula?

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“A woman who helps other women…a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth.”

— The Doula Book, Marshall H. Klaus, MD, John H. Kennell, MD, and Phyllis H. Klaus, MFT, LMSW

Candace Roper Centered Birthing Doula Services Birth Postpartum Hypnobabies Salt Lake City Utah

Image Credit: Kirstin Roper Photography

​​A doula is a source of physical and emotional support, comfort, and education for growing families. Doulas provide education in order to help parents make informed decisions for themselves and their baby during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A doula encourages the family to know what to expect, make wise decisions that align with their personal goals and values, advocate for themselves, and helps them collaborate with their chosen care provider for the best outcome possible. A doula increases your (and your partner's) chances of being satisfied and empowered by your birth experience.

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During birth , a doula provides continuous encouragement and support, and holds space. They provide judgement-free emotional support, evidence based information, physical support and comfort measures. Doulas do not perform medical tasks, such as cervical checks, checking heart rates, distributing or dosing medication, delivering babies, etc.

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A doula supported woman is:

  • 30% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to start or speed up labor

  • 50% less likely to have a cesarean section

  • 12% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth

  • 60% less likely to request epidural anesthesia

  • 30% less likely to request any pain medication

  • 40% less likely to have a forceps delivery

  • 14% less likely to have a newborn admitted to the special care nursery

  • 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively

  • 25% decrease in the length of labor

  • Greater breastfeeding success

  • An overall reduction in medical costs

 

A postpartum doula provides much of the same support, but in the weeks after delivery. Emotional support is provided by a trained, professional doula who has been there and truly understands the transition into motherhood. Physical support is provided, but more in way of actual practical duties: meal preparation, errands, light housekeeping, help with older children - this gives the new mother much needed time to rest and bond with her new baby. Education is provided to help mothers embark on their new journey of motherhood confidently, equipped with the knowledge to help see them through.

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Our postpartum doula services include:

 

  • Education and support in breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a hybrid

  • A judgement-free listening ear to process your birth experience

  • Solid blocks of sleep for mom (and everyone else!)

  • An extra set of hands during nap/bedtime so you can keep your toddler's routines more consistent

  • Advice on how to gently encourage baby to sleep longer stretches, and to regulate night vs. day

  • Education in what's normal for postpartum recovery and newborn behavior (and what's not)

  • Instruction in basic newborn care (diapering, cord care, bathing, swaddling, baby-wearing, soothing)

  • Newborn and older child care so new parents can rest (or shower!)

  • Light housekeeping, laundry folding, vacuuming, washing bottles & dishes, etc.

  • Meal preparation (including freezer meals, grab and go items, daily dinner prep, kids' meals)

  • Errand running (grocery pick up, etc.)

  • Pick up and drop off of older children at school, after school activities, etc.

  • Assistance in getting back to or establishing a routine that works for you and your family

  • Help with organizing baby's things and setting up diapering and breastfeeding stations in your home

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