What is a Doula?  The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to someone experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period, where our goal is to provide a warm and nurturing environment, so you can be a more rested and confident parent. 


Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to the family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.

A postpartum doula  

   + Offers education, quiet nonjudgmental support and companionship during the postpartum period.

   + Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying.

   + Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents; and makes appropriate referrals when necessary. 

  
Studies have shown that when birth doulas attend births, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A birth doula 

   + Recognizes childbirth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life.

   + Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.

   + Assists the mother in preparing for and carrying out her plans for the birth. 

   + Stays with the mother throughout the labor. 

   + Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the mother get the information she needs to make informed decisions.

   + Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the mother's memory of the birth experience. 

   + Allows the woman's partner to participate at comfort level.

Available for hospital births at Spalding Regional, Fayette Piedmont, Henry Medical, Southern Regional, Medical Center of Central Georgia and Coliseum (Macon) hospitals, as well as home births in the south Atlanta and Macon areas.