Doulas are experienced birth companions. They provide support prenatally, attend the birth, and provide postpartum support.

Our purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable and empowering birthing experience

What does a Doula do?

  1. She recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will always remember
  2. She understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
  3. She assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth
  4. She stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor
  5. She provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make informed decisions
  6. She facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers
  7. She nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience

Benefits of Having A Doula?

  • Positive Outcomes

    In 2012, we provided services to 297 at-risk pregnant and parenting women. Of those served, 91% were on Medicaid, 65% were single and 34% were ages 21 and younger. Ninety three percent of program babies were born full term, approximately 93% had an average birth weight, and 93% of program mothers initiated breastfeeding.

  • Enhanced Experiences

    DONA International (a nationally recognized 'Doula' accreditation agency) research shows that parents who receive support both during and after the birth of a child: feel more secure and cared for, are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics; have greater self-confidence, have less postpartum depression, and have lower instances of child abuse and neglect.

What about the partner’s role when using a Doula?

A doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.