Natural BirthWorks

Labor doula:

A doula is an important support mechanism for a woman during labor & birth. A doula will be there early on during labor if the laboring woman requests her to be. A doula can provide support while a woman labors at home before deciding to go to the hospital or birth center as well. A doula will be able to tell you if this is “real labor” or not and make suggestions as when to transition to the place of birth. As labor progresses she will provide comfort techniques such as massage, aromatherapy and a comforting/reassuring voice. The doula will aid in the involvement of the father as well. She will also stay for a few hours after birth to assist in the baby’s first latch and make sure mom and baby are well adjusted before she leaves. Our doulas provide women with 2 prenatal visits and 1 postpartum visit, in addition to your labor support.

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Labor Doula:

11-50 births Junior Doula $1200

51+ births Senior Doula $1800

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* We also provide an on-call doula for those who decide they’d like a doula last minute. The 2 prenatal visit and 1 postpartum visit is not included.

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Postpartum doula:

A postpartum doula is hired to assist the family with the arrival of their new baby. The doula will ensure that mom is eating and drinking plenty and will assist is diaper changes & baths for baby as well. A postpartum doula can be requested during the day or night hours.

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The role of a postpartum doula is to help a woman through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is there for the father, older children and always the mother and baby, treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing.

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The goal of a doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, their needs for professional support should diminish.

Postpartum Doula: $45 per hour daytime/ $55 per hour night

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Effects on Birth Outcomes with a doula in attendance:

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Labors are 25% shorter.¹
There are fewer complications.
Cesarean rates are reduced by 50%.¹
There is 40% less need for oxytocin to speed up labor.¹
Need for forceps is reduced by 40%.¹
Women request 30% less pain medication and 60% fewer epidurals.¹

Effects on the Mother with a doula in attendance:

Greater satisfaction with their birth experience.
More positive assessments of their babies.
Less postpartum depression.

Effects on the Baby with a doula in attendance:

Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries.
Babies breastfeed more easily.
Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum.

Effects doulas have on the Health Care System:

The cost of obstetrical care is dramatically reduced.
Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer.

The Benefit of continuous support in labor is recognized by:
The World Health Organization
The Medical Leadership Council (an organization of over 1200 U.S. hospitals)
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
Find a great article on doulas below.

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/havingadoula.html