Photo by Che Correa Photography
What is a doula?
The word "Doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing person before, during, and just after birth. A Doula offers non-judgmental support, advocacy, guidance, evidence based education, and practical hands-on support during pregnancy and childbirth. A birth Doula recognizes the profound impact of childbirth on the birthing person. A birth Doula does NOT provide medical care, clinical tasks such as cervical checks or fetal heart tones, and does not speak on behalf of the client. Studies have shown that when doulas attend births, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and breastfeed more easily, and the birthing person is more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively.
Evidence Based Research: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
My journey
Pregnancy and childbirth have always been an area of fascination for me, though my life path initially led to be becoming an educator. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2009 with my degree in 6th-12th grade English/Language Arts. My fascination with childbirth was rekindled when my little sister, a teen mom, asked that I be her birthing partner and I gladly accepted. Her first birth went smoothly as she relied on me to keep her calm and lessen her pain through breath work, massage, and different birthing positions. I also helped her advocate for her own needs with the hospital staff and family members. Her second birth, that of a late-term stillborn son was a different experience completely. Helping my sister deal with her grief, while also helping her find the strength to birth her son who had passed in her womb, was a life-changing experience. When my little sister unexpectedly passed a year later, I realized it was important to use what time I have left to follow my passion for helping others find their power through the life-altering experience that is childbirth.
