Doula
What is an Art of Nursing Birth Doula?
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek term meaning “a woman caregiver of another woman.”
A doula is a person who has education and experience assisting women through the childbirth process. Doulas provide emotional support and physical comfort measures during labor and delivery. We will also help with positioning and movement, which assists in the descent of the baby and pain management for the mother. Doulas pay special attention to the woman during labor and will not leave them during this time. Doulas are also aware of the memories that a woman will carry with her of the birth and promote a positive birth experience.
What effects does the presence of an Art of Nursing doula have on the family?
When our doulas are present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, they make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and request medical intervention less, and have less postpartum depression.
What effects does the presence of Art of Nursing doulas have on babies?
Babies are respected and encouraged to do what comes natural to them with the guidance of our team and the intuition of the mother. Having a person designated to help the mother promote self breast attachment and encourage bonding can promote baby wellness and happier babies.
Does an Art of Nursing doula replace nursing staff when birthing in the hospital?
No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff when we are in the hospital setting. Our doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals. We will advocate for the family by providing the parents with information that will increase the chances of having the type of birth that is in the best interest of the family, including the baby. The Family with our guidance then can make informed decisions about the care that they receive.
Contact us for more information about the Doula services we provide
