Birth Doula
Jen Rae
Listen. Love.
Repeat.
"She is not your friend. She is not a healthcare provider. She is a mother figure of the most ancient kind. Her life experience empowers you. She is a reassuring presence who will always listen to you and support your chosen path. She will remind you of these choices, and the reason you chose them, when you doubt, are anxious, or afraid. She sees you; the real you. Her understanding of your journey supports your self-confidence. She eases pain with a touch, a word, a look...
She is your Doula."
~Unknown
What Is A Doula?
The Greek word doula means woman caregiver. We now use the word to describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her husband or partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during, and just after childbirth.
*(As defined by the Doulas of North America, International)
As a Doula, I provide continual support to a woman and her partner during labor - as well as during pregnancy and postpartum. I encourage educated choices through childbirth classes, reading, and curiosity. During labor, I am an extra set of hands for the parents, offer suggestions rooted in professional training and experience, and can provide breaks for the partner. Most importantly, I offer unbiased support of the mother's individual goals and may act as a mediator to support of these choices.
Research shows that those using a Doula
are more likely to experience..
Shorter labors
Fewer cesarean rates
Unmedicated birth
Birth without use of vacuum extraction or forceps
Birth to a baby with a high Apgar score
A satisfying birth experience