Doula

Carol Peterson, ICCE, CD(DONA), 814-899-7722, cbecarol@yahoo.com

Birth Journeys

Carol Peterson, ICCE, HCHI, CD(DONA)

Instilling Confidence in Birth Since 2004

814-899-7722 * cbecarol@yahoo.com

A doula can provide many benefits to both mom and the labor support person. Research shows that the benefits of using a doula include:

Shorter labors
Reduced use of pain medications
Fewer cesareans
Increased success with breastfeeding
Lowered postpartum depression
Greater satisfaction with the birth experience and the labor partner’s role in the birth

For more information on the benefits of a doula and how a doula can help you, visit www.dona.org

Imagine having a birth experience where you felt completely supported. You felt surrounded by positive support, by someone who has been down the road that you are traveling. Someone to guide you through each contraction, helping you to reach into your inner strength.

Today's version of this person is the doula. A doula is trained in labor support and focuses her efforts on helping the laboring woman to achieve the best birth experience possible. She brings with her to your birth a knowledge and confidence of the birth process, and many ways to help your labor progress and many ways to help you cope. While other medical staff serves multiple patients, a doula will provide you with one-on-one, continuous care.

My doula services include a preliminary meeting to make sure we are a good fit, one to two prenatal visits to determine your wishes for birth and to cover how to get your baby into optimal position for birth, continuous support during your labor, a postpartum visit, unlimited phone support, referrals as needed, and access to my lending library. In addition, I provide you with a written record of your birth.

In my role as a doula, my primary focus is on helping mom. If dad plans to take a hands-on role in the birth, then my job is to help dad help mom. During the course of a labor, I often find that I will tag-team with dad in helping mom, which allows dad to take breaks as needed. Some dads prefer to be present, but find the process overwhelming. In this instance, I take the role of primary support person until dad feels that he can step in to help. During our prenatal visits, we will discuss together the role that dad hopes to take, while giving him the freedom to change his mind during the birth.

While there are many in the doula community working hard to convince insurance companies that doulas can lower their maternity care costs, insurance companies have yet to decide to provide insurance reimbursement. My fee for services is $325; however, I offer a $25 discount for those attending my childbirth class. I am able to offer services to those who cannot afford to pay the full fee on a limited basis as my schedule permits. Please call me to discuss your situation.