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Birth Right Network
Optimal Health is
Everyone's Birthright
Doula (Professional Birth Attendant)
Doula (doo-la) comes from the Greek word meaning “woman who serves.” The word has come 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” (Mothering the mother, Klaus, Kennell and Klaus.)
As your Doula I am an integral part of your maternity care team working closely with the midwives and doctors to provide the best care for you. A Doula does not perform clinical tasks; therefore I am able to focus completely on your well being 100% of the time. This enables me to provide constant physical and emotional support for you and your partner, and maintain the birthing environment you want. The type of support I provide varies depending on your individual needs but may include massage, relaxation, positioning, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, and music. I am not in a position to make the same unique contributions your partner makes. I am there in addition to, not instead of your partner. Together we make the perfect support team for you, complementing each other’s strengths.
Birth is a natural process - an experience that can be powerful, beautiful and have a profoundly positive effect on the entire family if the environment is right. This is the journey of a lifetime for you and your baby and is worthy of the best possible beginning.
5 Reasons to choose a doula
for your pregnancy & birth
Following their review of this evidence Klaus, Kennell and Klaus (1993) itemised the positive effects of doula care as:
• 50% reduction on cesarean rates,
• 60% reduction in epidural requests,
• 40% reduction in syntocinon use,
• 30% reduction in analgesia use,
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery.