Doula 
What is a Doula?
The word, "doula," comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)A doula... * Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life... * Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor... * Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth... * Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor... * Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions... * Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical careproviders... * Perceives her role as one who nutures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants. Benefits of having a trained Doula * 50% reduction in the cesarean rate * 25% shorter labor * 60% reduction in epidural requests * 40% reduction in oxytocin use * 30% reduction in analgesia use * 40% reduction in forceps delivery
Fees Fees and Services
Initial interview is free.
As an entry level doula I provide:
3 Prenatal Visits starting around 28 weeks
each lasting 1-2 hours.
On call TWO weeks before your due date
until you deliver your baby.
My presence at the hospital to help facilitate breastfeeding
(if necessary).
2 Postpartum visits.
Fee:
$250
I also offer a childbirth education class for $15!
Birth Photography is now available for $150!
This does not include my role as a doula.
Resources Local Resources
La Leche LeaguePlease Call:742-MILKFor information and breastfeeding support!http://www.lllalmsla.org/Lactation ConsultantBrenda Dalton RNC, IBCLC, RLChttp://lactationresourcecenter.com/default.aspxOther DoulasDoula GranniesThe Winged EggEast Texas DoulaMidwivesCharlotte Russellhttp://edenwaybirth.comVicky Wellshttp://www.laboroflovetyler.com/LOLhome.aspThalia Huftonhttp://www.childbirthservices.net/Cloth DiaperingCotton Tails Diaper Servicehttp://www.louisianacottontails.com/
