The Role of the Birth Doula

• massage or soothing touch; hand-holding
  
• help with breathing and relaxation techniques
  
• suggest positions or techniques for comfort and progress

• reassurance of normalcy, coping ability, and support
  
• encouragement
  
• validation of feelings. With a doula present, some women feel less need to have medications, or may postpone them until later in labor; however, many choose or need pharmacological pain relief.

• answer questions with accurate information
  
• seek out information when they don't know the answers
  
• advocate on the mother’s behalf. By this, doula’s do not impose their own choices on the mother; instead, they educate them about the risks and benefits and help the mother to convey her wishes and desires to her health care providers

• go out for food for the partner
  
• get extra pillows, blankets, ice chips for the mother
  
• take pictures

• support our clients goals
  
• make sure our clients understand their options and choices
  
• translate medical jargon when necessary
  
• assist with the preparation and implementation of birth plans

• At least one prenatal visit to get acquainted and to educate and discuss/draft a custom-made birth plan.
  
• 24/7 telephone availability to answer questions and discuss concerns.
  
• In-home early labor support
  
• Continuity of care in the hospital during the entire labor and birth and up to 1-2 hours following the baby’s birth
  
• At least one in-home postpartum visit
  
• Other services as the situation dictates. Flexibility is key!

• Your Mother’s Care doula will help you with all of those little chores that need to be done, which will give you more time with your new baby, as well as time to completely heal from birth
  
• help mother to care for her postpartum body
  
• aid healing of the perineum or incision
  
• massage the new mother's shoulders or feet
  
• make sure the mother is able to eat, drink, shower, and rest
  
• help the new mother cope with sore nipples and engorgement by suggesting comfort measures, holistic remedies and consultation

• listen to the story of the birth
  
• validate the normal adjustment process
  
• support mother through emotional vulnerability
  
• support father through transition to new role
  
• help siblings adjust to the presence of the baby

• help mother learn to feed her baby
  
• demonstrate infant care techniques such as diapering, bathing, and cord care
  
• give information on newborn care recommendations
  
• aid parents in developing their own styles of nurturing and bonding with the baby
  
• Just twenty minutes a day practicing Infant Massage greatly benefits both you and your baby and Mother’s Care doulas can show you exactly what you need to know .
  
• Proper massaging can improve digestion, help increase circulation, relax and calm a fussy baby and has been shown to raise a child’s sense of self. Loving touch lessens tension, fussiness and irritability. Digestion is aided and this can provide relief of gas and colic. Massage is also a wonderful way to lessen stress for both parent and baby. Touch conveys nurturing and love, the essential ingredients for emotional and physical growth and well being.
  
• As your infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the end result. To learn more about Mother’s Care Infant Massage, just contact us.

• prepare meals and snacks for the new mother and family
  
• run errands: shop for food, supplies, drop-off film for development
  
• may do baby laundry or other light cleaning

• Many clients find it reassuring to know that their doula will meet them at their door on the day they arrive home from the hospital or birthing center with a dinner prepared, bed turned down, and a plan of action for the first night home.
  
• This allows the new family to relax and begin the home bonding process. Some families request the first few nights as well as day and we customize each contract to reflect those wishes. Our night care option may also be extended to include siblings.
  
• Live-in Nanny / Doula Services are available from 1-4 weeks during the postpartum period.

• All nannies are cleared through background checks
  
• Placements guaranteed
  
• English & Spanish Speaking

• Mother’s Care doulas will also provide tender, loving daily care for the new baby’s big brother and sisters! Sometimes, with the arrival of a new baby, siblings can feel somewhat displaced. Your Mother’s Care doula will be there to help your child get use to the family’s new arrival and proudly accept their new role as “big brother” or “big sister”.
  
• Our doulas will also attend home births and hospital births to keep older siblings busy during the early stages of labor and to assist the children by talking about any concerns or thoughts they may have about the labor, birth or arrival home of the baby. We include siblings during our daily planning in the postpartum period so that they will feel part of the new and growing family.