Doula Support
As a Doula I am a trained healthcare professional. I provide informational support during my clients' pregnancies. I am a client (patient) advocate for my clients and can help them further understand options and choices during pregnancy and the childbirth process. One of most common phrases I voice to my clients is "hospital policy is not the law." I am a firm believer that a woman should be an active participant in her prenatal care and the care of her child. I understand that there is not a 'one size-fits-all approach.' I value medicine and interventions when they are used as needed, or desired by the client, and not part routine care. As a doula I do not carry out clinical procedures such as checking your blood pressure, checking your baby's heart tones, or any invasive care that would usually be provided by a doctor or a midwife. I adhere to HIPPA guidelines to protect your privacy.
My Doula services entail of a series of prenatal and postpartum visits, done in person, virtually, or both. These visits are tailored to the unique needs of each individual client. During these visits we will cover physiological events of pregnancy, birth, newborn care, and postpartum. I have walked alongside many women who have experienced pathological events within the pregnancy, therefore by chance if your pregnancy becomes high risk I am able to still help you gather all of the information to help you make the best informed decision for YOU and not the 'one size-fits-all approach.' Either way I will become familiar with your preferences for childbirth and support you carrying out your desires for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
I offer complete labor support, joining the client in active labor. Comfort measures used during labor include but are not limited to massage, acupressure, and essential oil therapy. I will stay with the client through active labor until the baby has successfully latched onto the breast. If additional support is needed I may stay longer, each situation is unique.
Postpartum visits will address how the mother is feeling physically and emotionally, and to make sure that feeding desires are going as planned, and if not referrals and additional support can be offered.
I am contracted with Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Kaiser Permanente.
WHY USE A DOULA?
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25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
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8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
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10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
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Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
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38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
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31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff.
(Dekker, 2017)
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Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor. (ACOG, 2019)
References
Dekker, R. (2017, August 14). Evidence on: Doulas. Evidence Based Birth®. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
ACOG. (2019). Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth. Acog.org. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth
