What do you DO, exactly?

I get asked a lot about what a doula does, and what exactly I do.

I started my business blog, and thought I would share it with you. Here I post short birth stories, this and that about birth and doulas. I also share my story on why I became a doula and why doulas are a great resource in the birth and postpartum period.

Mamatoto Doula Services

It's an unusual name, but it means a lot to me. My journey to becoming a doula started when I was 17 and bought a book from a funky used bookstore in the Old Market in downtown Omaha. Mamatoto is a swahili word meaning Mother Baby and was the title of this book.

If you have any questions about doulas, or how to find one in your area, check out: http://www.dona.org/

Calling all helpful people out there!!!

I am currently getting my postpartum and birth doula certification. What is a doula, you ask? Check out the info from http://www.dona.org/ or below.

But I need help from you! If any of you live in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area, or know someone who does, who needs postpartum or birth doula help, please let me know. Part of my certification is helping 3 separate families to earn my certification. I am going to work at a reduced cost to those who take me up on this special event!

Generally I will only charge mileage for my postpartum client (I just need one more) and $75 for a birth client. I am also open to bartering services/goods for this experience. In my area postpartum doulas charge $20-35 per hour and birth doulas charge $500 per birth.

Please read the info below for questions on what a doula is, and why it is great to have one! I have also included information on birth doulas as well. Every woman deserves a doula!!!!

What is a doula?

Giving birth to a baby is so much more than a physical phenomenon; it engages parents-to-be in a transformational experience, a key life event full of emotion and meaning. A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.

DONA International doulas make the difference

Our doulas are educated and knowledgeable about childbirth and the postpartum experience. They are advocates and a listening ear for birthing mothers, as well as facilitators to her partner. When a family goes home with a new baby, a postpartum doula supports every member and the family unit as a whole.

DONA International doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth. A DONA International doula’s presence at birth improves outcomes for mother and baby. In the postpartum period, a doula’s guidance can empower and encourage new parents, inspiring self-confidence in parenting.

Why use a doula?

DONA International doulas mother the mother

Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.

DONA International doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch; positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have less postpartum depression

Bliss - A Baby Story

Today I did it - I helped a family bring a new life into the world as their doula. It went just about as perfect as can be, and was such an amazing miracle! I've been up for a long time and the adrenaline is slowly ceasing to pump through my system. I'm off to hit the sack before I pick up Rhys from preschool.

The best news (besides a happy and healthy momma and baby) is that I feel at peace with where my life is. Finally - I know what I'm supposed to be when I grow up.

That feeling is priceless.

To Doula and Beyond!

I'm going to get my postpartum doula certification in October!! Whoo hoo! I finally feel like I can move on with something in my life, no matter what pans out with PA school next year. If I feel good with that, I'm moving on to labor doula, childbirth educator and lactation consultant... And I can open my own business with that too. It's cool how my Mary Kay business really fits in with this. Taking care of women, making them feel special and providing a service.

So if you are going to have a baby anytime soon, and would like a doula to help you through your way - you will know who to call!!! And it's not ghost busters...doo doo doo doodoo DOO DOO!

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"I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.

I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down

into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,

how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,

which is what I have been doing all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?"