Doula Care - Labor Support Services


















Doula Services

The word "doula" comes from an ancient Greek word and is now
used to refer to a woman who helps other women. It has been
applied to childbirth to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth
who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational
support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth."
(Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus, in Mothering the Mother).

Every woman deserves another experienced woman to guide her
through the rite of passage into motherhood.  As a doula, I have no
personal philosophy on childbirth; I take on the mother's
philosophy.  I empower women to decide what birth choices are
best for them and to give birth as they choose.  I provide
information to assist in decision-making and give total support of
the family's decisions.  My role as a doula is to assist women in
having the birth experience that they desire and deserve.

A Trained Doula:
  • Understands that birth is a life-altering experience that the
    woman will remember for the rest of her life.
  • Is aware that labor and birth are normal physiological
    processes.
  • Is aware that labor and birth are emotional, social, sexual
    and spiritual life events.
  • Understands the emotional needs of the laboring woman.
  • Stays with the laboring woman continuously.
  • Believes that women are strong and capable.
  • Is knowledgeable about the anatomy and physiology of labor
    and birth.
  • Has expertise in comfort measures and coping skills
    necessary during the birth process.
  • Provides an objective viewpoint.
  • Can act as a liaison and facilitate communication with other
    health care professionals.
  • Believes the pregnant couples should have trust in their
    caregivers.
  • Helps strengthen the relationship between the mother and
    her partner.
  • Believes that decisions about pregnancy, labor and birth
    should be made by the pregnant couple with input from their
    health care professionals.
  • Supports the decisions of the mother and her partner.
  • Respects the mother's individuality and uniqueness.
  • Trusts mothers and their partners to help them make the
    best decisions for themselves and their babies.
  • Helps create a positive birth memory.

Studies completed by Dr. Marshall Klaus and Dr. John Kennell,
published in the book Mothering the Mother (also called The Doula
Book) have proven that a doula can have a significant impact on
labor and birth.  The study concluded the following statistics which
lend to support for having a doula present:

  • 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
  • 25% shorter labor
  • 60% reduction in epidural requests
  • 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
  • 30% reduction in analgesia use
  • 40% reduction in forceps delivery


Click Here to learn more about the doula, Heather Palmer
 jacksonville pregnancy massage, doula services, yoga and labor support
 jacksonville pregnancy massage, doula services, yoga and labor support
Holistic Services for Expectant & New Mothers
Doula Services, Pregnancy Massage & Prenatal Yoga