The midwives at Serenade Childbirth Services are also available to provide care to you in a hospital setting, by serving as your doula. A doula is a professionally trained and experienced woman who attends to the physical and emotional needs of women and their partners before, during and after childbirth.

Prior to the birth, doulas assist families   in gathering information about healthy pregnancy, childbirth alternatives, breastfeeding, and newborn care.  They may also help families to plan the type of birth they want and to practice comfort measures useful in labor.

When labor begins, the doula stays with the mother, offering constant support and comfort.  She uses a variety of tools and techniques to help the mother work with her body and enhance her labor.  The doula serves as an emotional anchor for the mother and her family.  Her encouragement and extensive experience in providing support during childbirth decreases pain and anxiety for the laboring mother.

After the birth, the doula makes several home visits and supports the family by offering advice about breastfeeding, newborn care, and the postpartum physical and emotional changes experienced by the mother and her family.

Numerous studies have proven that women attended by doulas have shorter, easier labors and are more satisfied with their birth experiences.  The presence of a doula results in:

• A 50% decrease in cesarean sections,
• A 60% decrease in the use of epidural anesthesia,
• A 25% decrease in the length of labor.

Research has also shown that mothers who are cared for by doulas have an easier time learning to breastfeed and their babies have fewer complications.  The presence of a doula facilitates mother-infant bonding and decreases the likelihood of postpartum depression. Fathers and other family members report that they are more able to enjoy the experience of childbirth knowing that the full responsibility for providing labor support is not resting on their shoulders.