What Is A Doula?

According to DONA International

“A doula is a trained NON-MEDICAL professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help her acheive the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. Birth and postpartum doulas help support new families through the life changing experience of having a baby. Whether it’s a family’s first baby or their tenth, a doula can help make the birth and postpartum experience better. Countless scientific trials examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both mother and baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.“

—DONA International—

The Many Benefits of Hiring a Doula

What Does A Doula Offer?

Physical Support

Position ideas for comfort and labor progression cross over with hands-on comfort measures like comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques and other “doula magic” for families. A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help a malpositioned baby find its way through the pelvis and into the birthing parent’s arms.

Emotional Support

Doulas help families to feel supported, easing the emotional experience of birth and also helping to create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best. Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, every family can benefit from nurturing and connection at this tender, incredible time in their lives.

Partner Support

Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy

DONA International doulas are trained to help families connect with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and make informed decisions about their births. Our doulas serve as a bridge of communication between women and their providers, lifting them up to help them find their voices and advocate for the very best care.

All families benefit with a birth doula on their team!

What to expect in each stage

Pregnancy Week by Week

First Trimester

The first trimester begins on the first day of your last period and lasts until the end of week 12. This means that by the time you know for sure you’re pregnant, you might already be five or six weeks pregnant! A lot happens during these first three months.

Second Trimester

The second trimester includes weeks 13 through 27 of a pregnancy. In the second trimester, the baby grows larger and stronger and many women begin showing a larger belly.

Third Trimester

Fetal development continues during the third trimester. Your baby will open his or her eyes, gain more weight, and prepare for delivery. The end of your pregnancy is near!

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