Nelia DeAmaral

A doula is specially trained and experienced in childbirth. She is present for the laboring woman and her partner(s) throughout the labour and birth. A doula provides continuous physical and emotional support as well as information. Medical staff are responsible for the physical care of the mom and baby so they are usually unable to provide the continuous care that labouring mothers often need. In addition, shifts change and new staff are often coming and going. The doula is the constant companion.

A happier mom and a happier baby! Women who have used a doula have referred to them as “essential”, “the best thing they ever did” and “the steady force”. By reducing fear, stress and anxiety, we allow the labour to progress more freely. Stress hormones can all inhibit progress by affecting the functioning of the uterus and the placenta, thus affecting the progress of labour and the oxygen intake of the baby. The doula is specially trained to support women and families on a physical, social and emotional level to reduce the effects of these emotions. Studies have shown that women with distressing thoughts and feelings during labour are at an increased risk for prolonged labour, fetal distress and various interventions. A doula uses her skills to assess what a woman wants and needs at any given time.Fewer interventions: Care by doulas resulted in 26% reduction of cesareans, 41% fewer instrumental deliveries.A more comfortable labour: 28% less likely to use pain medication. There are many techniques that a doula uses to support a woman during labour.A more satisfying experience: overall significantly more satisfied with the birth. NOTE: Statistics taken from, The Labour Progress Handbook by Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta,
Copyright 2005 by Blackwell Publishing.

Gone are the days when dads waited patiently while mom and the doctor huffed and puffed out the baby. Most partners want to be as involved as possible, but what do you do when you see someone in pain and can’t take it away? Birth is an emotional time for everyone! Sometimes, the labouring mother herself, cannot express what she needs. There are dozens of ways to help. Doulas are experienced with birth and are familiar with the many emotional and physical experiences that a woman might go through. A doula can help a partner feel involved. Many families find that a doula actually improves the bond between mom and her birth partner.

Book a free 30 minute skype session, a face to face interview or drop into one on my yoga classes!

But in the meantime....we will work well together if you:

• Understand what you need is important and your well-being is critical for the well-being of your family
• Are spiritually aware and connected (this doesn’t mean religious, it means that you understand that life has meaning)
• Actively seek to learn through life’s experiences, know yourself well and want someone who will “get” you so that you don’t have to work so hard explaining what you need
• Are a kind and loving person, who feels things deeply and wants the rest of the world to care as much as you do
• Love checklists, but you know when to throw them away and live in the moment