Learn About Doulas

What is a Doula?

The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to a woman who helps other women during the childbearing year. A doula gives emotional, physical and informational support as well as providing continuity of care. A doula does not replace the primary support person (unless we agree that is the role you want us to play). The doula is there to support both the mom and her partner in having the birth experience that they want. Doulas can be especially helpful for families who want to avoid the use of pharmacological pain relief and medical interventions.

Labor Doulas

A birth doula is a labor assistant who supports women and their families in achieving the birth they desire. Mother Me's doulas are trained and certified, with experience in hospital, home, and water births. These dynamic women offer education, pain management, and comfort techniques through a relationship built on respect, trust, and continuity of care. Mother Me doulas are committed to providing expectant mothers and their families with guidance, education, nurturing and support in order to help them learn about the birthing process and make informed choices surrounding their own birth experience. Mother Me Doulas work in teams of two to ensure that needs are met with compassionate continuous care before, during, and immediately after the birth.

Meet Our Doulas

Why use a Doula?

Long term benefits of birth and postpartum doulas include:

Improved breast-feeding
Decreased postpartum depression
Greater maternal satisfaction
Better mother-infant interaction

Studies have shown* that having a doula may decrease

Epidural use by 60%
Cesaeran birth by 50%
Pitocin use by 40%
Narcotic use by 30%
Forceps use by 30%
Length of labor by 25%

* based on the published works of Dr. John Kennell and Dr. Mashall Klas

Postpartum Doulas:

A postpartum doula assists the family with the transitional time after the baby’s birth and offers in-home support and education. Check out our Community Partners page for more information on Postpartum Doulas.