So, what DO doulas 'do'?

What is a doula?
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula
Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
Stays with the woman throughout the labor
Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.

http://www.dona.org

Let me introduce myself...

Hi all!

My name is Katie Wallace and I am a doula here in the wonderfully wet city of Longview, Washington. I attended an awesome training retreat last month offerred through Mother Tree Birth and it was amazing. I am now pursuing my international certification through DONA International and already have a few births lined up! The idea empowering women through continuous support before, during, and immediatly following birth is VERY exciting and VERY possible!

Please feel free to ask me any questions, if I do not know the answer right away, I will find it for you. I look forward to meeting some expecting mammas in the Longview area