Birth Doula Services

Responsibilities of a Doula

One of the key aspects of the involvement of doulas is that they provide emotional and other support by maintaining a “constant presence” throughout labor, providing specific labor support techniques and strategies, encouraging laboring women and their families, breastfeeding support and facilitating communication between mothers and medical caregivers. Many partners have even reported that the assistance of a birth doula allowed them to be fully present in the delivery of their child while taking pressure off of them to solely support their birthing partner.

The Benefits of Having a Doula

Studies examining the impact of continuous support by doulas report significant reductions in cesarean births, instrumental vaginal births, need for oxytocin augmentation, and shortened durations of labor (Campbell, Lake, Falk, & Backstrand, 2006; Klaus & Klaus, 2010; Newton, Chaudhuri, Grossman, & Merewood, 2009; Papagni & Buckner, 2006; Sauls, 2002). Continuous support also has been associated with higher newborn Apgar scores (greater than 7) and overall higher satisfaction by mothers with the birthing process (Sauls, 2002). Reports indicate that having a birth doula can drastically decrease the chances of experiencing a traumatic birthing experience which 1 in 3 women will typically experience. A birth doula will also able to link you to additional supports should they be needed or desired.

Limitations

A doula is not intended to replace the care of a hospital or the support of a partner. In fact, our doulas are not allowed to assist you in delivery if you are not under the care of a midwife or medical doctor.

Process of Utilizing a Birth Doula

After you complete the form below a birth doula will reach out to you to schedule a 30 minute complimentary consultation. This allows for her to gather information regarding your goals for the birth and postpartum period and for you to ask any specific questions regarding the use of a doula. If everyone agrees to continue the relationship, your doula will send you contracts through our electronic health system and schedule your first prenatal doula appointment.

Our doulas will provide 1-2 prenatal appointments where they will assist in the development of a birth plan, explore your goals for the birthing and postpartum experience, teach you specific labor support strategies, and provide additional resources that may be needed.

Around week 36 of pregnancy, your doula will begin checking in with you through text, email, or over the phone to see your pregnancy is progressing and if your cervix is dilating.

When you go into labor and either your midwife or doctor confirms you are in labor, you will make contact with your doula so that she can begin getting ready to support you during this time. Your doula will be available to you for up to 18 hours of the delivery, if needed. During this time she will provide comfort measures and be a constant presence of support and encouragement for you and your partner. When delivery is complete she is available to pick up food for you, assist you in showering and supporting you with breastfeeding.

Approximately 7-14 days postpartum your doula will be available to debrief the birthing experience and provide 3 hours of postpartum doula support for you where she can assist in child-care, play with a sibling, cook and clean or do some laundry.

Service Areas Include:

Duncan, Lawton, Marlow, Comanche, Chickasha, Ringling, Healdton, Ardmore, Moore, Norman

Questions:

Can I have a birth doula in a hospital?

Yes! (Check with you Hospital about this due to COVID)

Can I have a birth doula even if I have a partner and/or a parent present?

Yes!

Can I have a birth doula if I am intending to have a medicated birth?

Yes!

Can I have a birth doula if I am having a scheduled induction?

Yes!

Not only can you have a birth doula during these times, but a birth doula is highly recommended during these situations.

Fees $650

We offer a payment plan where $325 may be paid at the time contracts are signed and $325 may be paid during the last prenatal appointment with your doula.

To contact a birth doula please complete the form below.

To make a payment, please complete your purchase below.