Birth Doulas

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Doulas who support women through their labor and birth. Mom's who are interested in having a doula present for their birth.

Members: 378
Latest Activity: Feb 18, 2012

5 members like this

Started by Corie Keller. Last reply by Lori Wade Jun 9, 2011. 5 Replies 0 Likes

Started by Chana Swan. Last reply by Angela Torres Feb 12, 2011. 1 Reply 0 Likes

Started by Kassedi. Last reply by Tara G. Jan 3, 2011. 1 Reply 0 Likes

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Comment by KM on October 7, 2009 at 5:33pm: We have some local online groups that I became a member of and posted that I was accepting low/no cost clients. Birth classes are great places too! Also, check maternity homes.

Comment by Lori on October 7, 2009 at 5:10pm: @Cheryl Going to a La Leche League Meeting is a great way to meet moms and to learn more about breastfeeding b/c you'll get a lot of questions from clients in the first weeks postpartum. You can also talk to some midwifery/OB practices to see if they could add you to a list of doulas that they refer. Talk to your local Bradley (www.bradleybirth.com) instructors. Not all instructors are doulas and many of their students look for doulas. Childbirth ed professionals in your area might let you sit in and observe a class and you might get to meet some couples who want you at their birth.

Comment by Cheryl Neumann on October 7, 2009 at 4:57pm: Hi! I live in Wilmington NC and I am in training to be a doula. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get started with excepting clients. How to get your name out there ect.

Comment by KM on October 7, 2009 at 3:28pm: I agree that dad's are a very important factor in the birth process and should be supported by the doula as well. I believe very strongly that a mother's confidence in her birth will translate in to her confidence as a parent and that it's the same with dad. If he feels helpless or left out during a birth he may not feel as if he can be involved in the parenting process or lack the confidence to try. Like wise, sometimes what a birth partner needs is to have someone take the reins and tell him what to do, or give him permission to relax for a bit and take in what he's seeing. I've noticed that sometimes this allows him to feel MORE connected to the experience.

All in all, birth partners are an important part of the birth story and I think as a doula supporting them in their needs goes with the territory.

Comment by Tina Coley on October 7, 2009 at 2:44pm: Hi Patrick (I sat next to you at the Doula UK thing on Sunday with Ricki Lake)
Generally it's seen that the primary role of a doula is to support the mother throughout pregnancy, labour and beyond. However, in my own practise I very much support the PARENTS, not just the mother. I feel that I've done a really great job in the preparation when I have to do very little during the birth, simply because the father feels so confident in what he's doing. Our role is NEVER to replace the father (unless of course that was what the mother wanted in the first place - it has been known, but usually because it was their choice).
I have a page on my website that specifically covers how fathers are supported by me too: http://www.betterbirthdoulas.co.uk/justfordads.htm

Comment by Patrick Houser on October 7, 2009 at 2:35pm: "Doulas who support women through their labor and birth. Mom's who are interested in having a doula present for their birth."
I have a question...is this the full deffinition of a doula...or is her role actually more expanded than this? What about the dad? Let's be actual. See my blog.

Comment by Michelle Van Norman on October 6, 2009 at 12:20pm: Thanks Jenna. On Sept 30 at 539pm the baby was born via c-section. She was 5lbs 14oz and 18in long. She was able to room in with her Mommy and to be discharged on the same day. They are home happy and healthy. Had a bump in the road with nursing on sunday but I went over with my Doula and we helped to work the kinks out. So now all is well in new Mommy land. They are bonding and falling in love with eachother. I was so honored to be able to help her through this. I know for sure with every ounce of my being that this is what i am meant to do. It was amazing.

Comment by KM on September 29, 2009 at 11:09am: Just wanted to say, that I'm now ready to start attending births in the Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara County areas. If you are in this area and need a doula or know someone who does, please let me know, and I'll relay my information!