Every woman deserves a doula.

 

Don’t go into labor without one!

Debbie Boucher, CNM, CD

Childbirth the Way Nature Intended

Certified Nurse-midwife

Certified Doula

Childbirth Educator

 

To contact us, send an email to:

 

midwife @ yourbirth.com (without the spaces) for information about midwifery services

doula @ yourbirth.com (without the spaces) for information about doula services

education @ yourbirth.com (without the spaces) for information about childbirth classes

Doula Services

Why choose a doula?

A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to both mother and father, during pregnancy and childbirth. The doula provides continuity of care from home to hospital, and stays by the mother's side throughout her labor. She serves as an advocate, offering support, encouragement, and suggestions to both the mother and her partner.

 

Studies have shown many positive benefits of doulas (the numbers refer to studies listed on the References page):

¯ Reduced rates of interventions: c-section,^13-19 epidurals and narcotics,^13-16,19,20 pitocin, ^{13,14,16,18,19} forceps,^13,14,16,17 and vacuum extraction.¹⁶

¯ Reduced duration of labor^13-18 and reduced anxiety.¹⁶

¯ Reduced incidence of complications: maternal fever and infection,¹⁴ maternal bleeding following birth,¹⁷ hospitalizations of baby.^14,15

¯ Increased chances of successful breastfeeding^16,21,22 and reduced incidence of post-partum depression.^16,22

 

When you hire a doula for labor support, you receive all of the following.

Prenatal Visits and Support
Two prenatal visits for birth planning. We can help you stay comfortable, healthy, and low-risk, with pregnancy exercises and nutrition. We discuss the choices available in birth and what your desires are. We also discuss what kind of support you wish the doula to provide. We practice labor positions and relaxation.

 

The doula is available to you 24 hours a day for questions and concerns. Additional prenatal visits may be scheduled if you wish.

Labor Support

¯ Continuous support throughout your labor, beginning as soon as you feel you need assistance.

¯ Guidance in relaxation during contractions, helping you to allow nature to move your baby through the stages of labor.

¯ Massage, acupressure, positioning, and other non-medical pain relief techniques.

¯ Visual imagery, guided imagery, positive encouragement, and other verbal relaxation techniques.

¯ Monitrice services while at your home.

¯ Help making the transition to your birth place as smooth as possible.

¯ Non-medical advice and explanations of medical procedures.

¯ Up to two hours postpartum support, for help with recovery and breastfeeding.
  

Postpartum Visit and Continuing Support
One postpartum visit at your home to discuss the birth and provide breastfeeding help.  At any time after the birth, the doula may be called for questions and resource referrals.