Birth Well Doula

Every couple can benefit from continuous support and assurance during the intense experience of labor. In a typical hospital labor, the nurses will be in and out to monitor the baby and meet your needs for comfort and medical assistance. Your nurse or doctor, though competent, are not there to be a companion through labor. It makes a tremendous difference to have someone there on your team to give peace of mind and guidance.As a doula I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I will use my knowledge and experience to provide emotional and physical comfort, plus informational support and advocacy. I will provide reassurance to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, breathing patterns, positions and other techniques for comfort and a healthy birth.

As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver, or the hospital. I believe that you are in charge of your own birth and that I am the invited guest. It is a great honor to be entrusted with helping you through this miracle of life’s journey. Having a doula will give both parents added assurance and confidence, and less stress and confusion, so you can enjoy this amazing experience to the fullest.

In the consultation meeting we will talk more specifically about what I can do during labor and delivery that makes such a difference…what it actually means to give the support described above.

Recommendations

This was my fourth labor but my first time using a doula – I found it made a big difference in my confidence level when it came to managing pain, in helping my labor to progress, and in facilitating communication with the nurses and doctor when I could not think straight for myself!

~ Angie & John (May 2004)

Our birth was unusually complicated and we appreciated Jenn’s Flexibility. Her composure helped us stay calm under stress. We would definitely use her again.

~ Gwen & John (July 2004)

Our experience with Jenn as our doula for our first born was wonderful. Jenn is truly gifted in this area. She is passionate about birthing and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of having a baby. We strongly recommend Jenn and believe she has a natural gift in supporting couples in the birthing process. Jenn was very professional and effective. Beyond being efficient and good at what she does, she was genuinely kind and supportive to us, and made us feel confident about the birthing experience. We highly recommend Jenn and the excellent services she provides as a doula.

~ Paula & Rob (July 2004)

This was my second birth. Both were natural but only the second was with
the help of a doula. My husband is an excellent coach but I would not go
through labor again without a the extra, knowledgable support that Jenn
provided. My experience is that the medical community does not have faith
in the strength of women to do what they were designed to accomplish….
you need to be surronded by people who will support you and help you do what
you are made to do!

~ Beth & Tripp (August 2004)

Jenn was invaluable to us because our birth happened so quickly, which meant that none of our family support system was able to be present. It meant a lot to us just to have her in our corner as another person to be there for us. Also, without her, we wouldn’t have gotten the pictures and birth story that will be so important to us for years to come! It was great being able to ask questions about her own births and previous experience at Piedmont Hospital.

~ Rachel & Luke (January 2005)

10 Myths Why Not to Hire a Doula

10. I have a midwife.
She is not guaranteed to stay at your side throughout labor, especially in a hospital birth. Depending upon demands of her practice and the status of your labor, she may only check in now and then or receive reports via telephone from your nurse.

9. I can’t afford a doula.
Having a doula can actually save you money. The birth of your baby is the most important event in the life of your family, and one the mother will vividly remember for the rest of her life - labor support increases the likelyhood of a more postive experience and outcome. When you consider health and emotional “costs,” you can’t afford not to have a doula. My fees are very reasonable.

8. We’ve practiced our breathing and relaxation, I know what to do.
When things get tough and you are in the foreign environment of the hospital, it may be hard to remember what you learned. Unexpected situations can arrise that you are unprepared to decide upon. You may be fearful of labor when it is more than you expected. And your husband/coach needs help and support so he can be “there” for you completely as he sees you experience something like never before in the foreign hospital environment. A doula can calm your fears, assuring you that your feelings are normal, and help you through labor with or without pain medications.

7. I can’t relax and be myself in front of her.
I understand! I’ve been there! I’ve done it and seen it all before! – You will likely have several different medical personnel come into your room at various times. Every nurse who enters the room will be a stranger, at least your doula is a familiar and reassuring presence. A doula can help you maintain your privacy and modesty – and keep focused on your labor while there is other activity around you.

6. The medical staff will automatically respect all my wishes.
They don’t work for you. They will do what they judge medically necessary and what is hospital policy, even if it is not what you want for your birth or your baby’s initial care. The hospital staff are required to work within paramaters of legal liability to minimize their risk. A doula will help you ask the questions you need to best cooperate with caregivers and meet both your preferences and medical needs.

5. I’ve already had a baby, I know what to expect.
Each birth experience is different. Women can use as much support as possible during this vulnerable and powerful time. I have attended clients giving birth to their 2nd, 4th, and 5th child and every one was grateful and more satisfied with their birth experience because of doula assistance.

4. She’ll intrude on this intimate time with my husband.
A doula can enhance this time by helping your husband be more supportive and relaxed. She will provide him the freedom to be focused more on you.

3. She won’t support me if I choose medication.
You’re the boss! This is your birth! She wants what you want! Every birthing mother needs support. You still have to give birth to your baby, no matter what medical interventions you have received.

2. That’s what the nurse is for.
Nurses often have several patients, shift changes, and medical and administrative duties to attend to. They cannot be at your side, coaching you through labor. A good doula works in cooperation with the nursing staff.

1. She’ll try to replace my husband.
She can support him as he supports you; offering him rest when he is tired, allowing him the chance to get some air, something to eat, or make neccessary calls outside the room, and assuring him when he is uncertain. She helps him to protect you while you are in labor and reminds him to ask questions when you are unable.

Please See Decatur Doulas to meet a team of local Atlanta, Georgia doulas.