“Birth Doula" refers to a supportive companion experienced in childbirth and professionally trained to provide childbirth labor support.  A doula provides continuous physical, emotional, informational and advocacy support to a woman and her family during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period.

Why a  Doula?  Eleven studies showed the following effects of doula support:

• Labors are shorter.
• There are fewer complications.
• Cesarean rates are reduced.
• There is less need for oxytocin to speed up labor.
• The use of forceps is reduced.
• Women request less pain medication and epidurals.
• Mothers have greater satisfaction with childbirth.
• Moms experience less postpartum depression. 
• Babies have shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to special care nurseries.
• Babies breastfeed more easily.

Birth Doula Services include a consultation visit, one or two prenatal visits to review your pregnancy history, talk about any concerns for this birth, review the birth team roles and understand your birth wishes.  It also includes assistance with birth plan development; telephone consultations and continuous support during labor, birth, and immediate postpartum as well as one postpartum visit.

Additional prenatal and postpartum visits are available upon request.

Please see my birth doula contract on the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Fee:  $1350.00 in Worcester County, $1600 in Middlesex and other counties