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| What is a Doula? |
A doula is a woman who serves ~ but more specifically, a woman who serves a woman in labor and birth, administering comfort and relaxation methods, techniques & suggestions, staying by her side, never judging or misleading, always guiding and encouraging. A doula is a source of love and part of the birth team, she is not there to perform medical tasks or procedures, give diagnoses, or offer medical advice. She is a confidante, friend, partner & cheerleader!!
Taken from DONA International's website (www.dona.org), here is their definition of 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. |
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| Why should I hire a Doula? |
| Birth Doulas Mother the Mother ... |
Women have complex needs during pregnancy, childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.
[Doulas] are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for. |
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| What about a medicated birth or C-Section? |
If you are you planning to give birth in the hospital, with our without medication, and even if you are scheduling a C-section, the importance of having a doula does not diminish. Birth is birth, regardless of the time, place, or circumstance! The support you will receive by having a doula with you is possibly even more crucial when you are in a medicated or surgical situation ~ your emotions will not be neglected and your doula will ensure that you are well-supported throughout. The hospital staff are there for a very specific purpose and having a doula will give you the attention and care you so deserve! |
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| How much does it cost? |
The real question is, "How does a doula determine her fees?" This often remains a mystery, but I hope I can shed some light on how invaluable a doula's care really is and the price she puts on her services actually pales in comparison to the amount of time and energy she spends with you and your family! (The following is adapted from www.bigbellyservices.com) |
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| What about my partner’s role? |
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary? Let's hope not! A doula is there as support 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. I personally feel responsible to include the partner as much as they want to be and will work to strengthen us as a team. |
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| What about my partner’s role? |
Whether at home, birth center or the hospital, the areas we serve include most of North & East King County and all of Snohomish County! If you don't see your town listed here, please let us know ~ it may have inadvertently been left off and we may still be able to reach you! Plus if you live out of our scope of service area, please let us know if you'd like a reference for wonderful doulas near you ~ we'd love to give you a referral!
The following cities are main areas we serve, though may include surrounding towns and smaller communities: Stanwood, Arlington, Smokey Point, Marysville, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Sultan, Gold Bar, Duvall, Carnation, Snohomish, Everett, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Bothell, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Issaquah, Fall City, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Renton, Kent, & Seattle!
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Alyssa, thank you so much for your love and support through my pregnancy and Rebecca's birth. |
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| ~ Nikki M |
I have had three births, one with no doula, and two with doulas. |
| ~ Nicole L |
Alyssa, you're strong, dedicated and very passionate. |
| ~Anne M |
I wanted to write and thank you again for being my doula... |
| ~ Ann F |
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