Belly Round Birth Services
"Doula" is a Greek word meaning "woman caregiver". Most often today, it is used to describe a trained and experienced birth companion who provides a woman and her partner with continuous emotional support, physical comfort, and assistance in obtaining information to aid decision-making before, during, and immediately after childbirth.
It is a myth that doulas only provide care for those interested in natural childbirth or unmedicated births. Doulas provide care for women who choose to birth with or without medication, women who have vaginal births, women who have planned or unplanned cesareans, teen moms, women with disabilities, and women planning a VBAC (
vaginal birth after cesarean). Since the core of the doula's belief is to make this the very best birth experience for a woman and her partner, the doula can be a benefit no matter what the circumstances of the birth.
I believe any woman who wants a doula should have one no matter what kind of birth she intends to have. I want to help the women and families of Southeast Nebraska have the birth experiences they desire.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications; babies are healthier; and they breastfeed more easily.
DONA International explains what a doula is as well as the benefits of having a doula and how to hire a doula on their website. DONA International is one of the several respected national organizations that certifies doulas. It is the organization I have chosen to certify with, as I believe in its core philosphy and code of ethics.