What is a Doula?
A Labor/Birth Doula is a birth professional that specializes in informational, physical, and emotional support during pregnancy, labor, and birth.During pregnancy, labor, and birth, a Birth Doula is there for you all. of. the. time. {phone, text or email mostly, but meetings as well} During pregnancy she is there to help you have and find all of the information you need to prepare and empower you to have the birth you envision.
Once labor begins she can be with you at your home as well as at the hospital or birth center. If you are birthing at home, your Doula will very likely be there before your midwife! A Birth Doula is trained and knowledgeable in many different ways of managing the discomfort of labor. She is also there to make sure your partner is comfortable taking part in the birth experience as well. It is so important to note that Birth Doulas do NOT replace the mother's partner, Doulas are there to help the partner just as much as the mom!
After baby is born the Birth Doula stays for a few hours to make sure everyone is settled and comfortable. She can help with initiating breastfeeding, she may tidy up a bit, make sure people eat, inform important people of the new arrival. Your Birth Doula will also stop by after a time, normally about a week after baby is born, to reflect on your birth experience, help with any concerns, and also snuggle that new babe!
What does all of this mean?
It means that while a Doula cannot birth for you, she sure can help you! A Doula has got your back, and hiring one has been shown to shorten labor, instill confidence that helps with all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and parenting, and just improve the experiences over all!Simply put, Doulas rock! And they are an essential part of the modern birth team!
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Bellies to Babes
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Adrienne Walker is a Birth Doula serving a 50 mile radius of Utica, Michigan. She supports ALL births, and it is her wish that every mother has exactly the birth the MOTHER wants.
