The word, doula, comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
What does a doula do?
A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to
women and their partners during labour and birth. A doula offers advice
on comfort measures during labor and assist the women in this area.
Doulas provide constant emotional support and reassurance for
laboring Moms.
A doula provides:
What does a doula NOT do?
Doulas do not (and may not) perform clinical tasks, such as blood
pressure, vaginal exams, fetal heart monitor interpretations, etc.
Doulas do not make decisions on behalf of the women or family. They
always advise the woman to check with her caregiver before trying
alternative remedies, i.e. herbs, homeopathies etc.
Does a doula replace my partner?
No. A doula and partner work together to ensure that all of mom's needs are met. While if you don’t have a partner a
doula will be able to provide you all the support you need, if you do
have a partner there will still be plenty your partner can do to
support and assist you. Most partners find they are able to be
more relaxed, focused, confident and competent when they are guided by
a doula.
Why do a need a doula?
Women supported by a doula during labor have been shown to have:
50% reduction of cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Is the cost of a doula covered by health insurance?
Most insurance companies do not cover the services of a
doula, however, we have found that some do. The following is a list that a cohort has been able to determine some coverage for doulas. Check with your insurance company.
1. Oschner HMO, Louisiana
2. Aetna Healthcare
3. Travelers
4. Fortis Insurance
5. Qualchoice
6. Blue Cross/ Blue Shield PPO
7. Blue Cross/Blue Shield
8. Cigna
9. Foundation for Medical Care
10. AltPro
11. Wausau Benefits, Inc
12. Professional Benefits Administrators
13. Humana Employers Health
14. Glencare Managed Health Inc.
15. Summit Management Services, Inc
16. Lutheran General Physician's Organization
17. Elmcare, LLC, C/O North American Medical Management
18. Prudential Healthcare
19. Great-West Life & Annuity Ins. Co.
20. United HealthCare of Georgia (San Antonio, TX)
21. HNTB, Peoria, IL
22. Houston New England Financial, Employee Benefits, Fort Scott, KS
23. Maritime Life
24. Degussa, a German Chemical Company
25. Baylor Health Care System/WEB TPA
26. Medical Mutual
27. United Health POS
Consider the fact that a doula will do whatever possible to facilitate you having the birth you wanted. You are less likely to have more costly interventions if you have a supported and active labor, not to mention the priceless and lifelong emotional component of a happy and successful labor and birth.
When should I contact a doula?
Whenever you would like. Typically you should book your
doula by the time you are 38 weeks pregnant, but even then it is not
too late to plan and have the birth of your choice. The sooner the better!
I am respectful and accepting of all people without judgment. I am happy to support any person or couple who is wanting a memorable birth experience matter religion, creed, color, culture, race, national origin or sexual orientation.
To schedule an appointment please call 651-688-6181