Doula Joan | Services

Doula Joan: Professional Labor Support, Postpartum Careand Breastfeeding Specialist

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My role as your Doula is to help you and your partner navigate through the complex emotions, and sometimes confusing information you will encounter during labor and birth. I provide non-clinical care which includes advice on different types of physical comfort techniques such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning, hands-on comfort techniques such as massage, verbal reassurance and encouragement, and informational support which enables you to achieve your goals for a safe and satisfying birth experience.

In today’s hospital settings birth has become very hi-tech. The doctors and nurses are well trained in assessing the medical needs of the laboring woman, but her psychosocial needs may take a back seat.

I help ensure that these needs are met while enhancing communication and understanding between the laboring couple and the staff. I also provide the continuous physical and emotional support that may not be available from the medical staff, or family. I am the voice that calms, soothes, and reassures the woman and her partner that birth is a normal function of her body, will help her to understand what is happening and to not be afraid.

I will encourage you to ask questions of your care provider if you are unclear or concerned so you can make informed decisions. A Doula rubs backs – partners included – fetches anything needed by the woman, holds legs, gives instruction, answers questions, sings, prays, or even sits quietly and watches – whatever the woman needs to create a supportive, nurturing and safe environment.

The Doula client relationship is truly one of mutual admiration.

Women cared for during labor by a birth doula, compared to those receiving usual care were:

26% less likely to give birth by Cesarean Section
41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
28% less likely to ask for analgesia or anesthesia
33% less likely to be dissatisfied with their birth experience *

Postpartum Care and Breastfeeding Postpartum Doulas are trained to offer families evidence-based information and support on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents. They may also help with light housework, fix a meal and help incorporate an older child into this new experience. As a trained breast feeding educator, I can help a new mother by answering question and guiding her through the early weeks of learning. Breast feeding comes easily for some mothers, but may be difficult for others. Having information and support during this crucial time helps to ensure a successful breast feeding experience for the whole family.

Childbirth Preparation Classes Having a baby is a wonderful yet, bewildering experience. Expectant couples are excited about bringing their baby into the world, but are also faced with many unfamiliar questions and concerns. Childbirth Preparation classes are designed to give you a complete understanding of the process of birth and techniques that will help you cope with pain and reduce fear and anxiety associated with the unknown.
I offer private instruction in the comfort of your own home and designed to work around your schedule. There is a lot of information to cover as you can see and I want my clients to be well informed so that they can make educated decisions that are right for them and their baby.
Benefits of a private class: Schedule class times that are convenient for you You may have activities restricted or be on bed rest The convenience of being able to relax in the comfort of your own home The ability to discuss personal issues with ease

Disclaimer -
Doulas are not doctors or midwives, and do not practice medicine, nor diagnose and treat pregnancy or postpartum related symptoms. Information presented in our meetings and conversations is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional. In addition, Doulas do not make specific health claims or promise medical results. We provide education and guidance, pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and breastfeeding support

*DONA - Birth Doula Position Paper