Doula Services
“Doula”, greek for ‘woman caregiver’, is used to describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides a woman and her partner continuous emotional, physical and informational support before, during and just after childbirth.
At Goodyear Health Center, we recognize the high importance of these aspects throughout pregnancy as well as the obstetric and psychological outcomes that result from continuous doula care. These outcomes include a decrease in cesarean sections by 50%, a decrease in the length of labor, the request for epidurals and the use of forceps as well as enhanced breastfeeding, less postpartum depression and anxiety, and a greater satisfaction with the birth experience. Many of these advantages are attributed to the confidence, reassurance, advanced understanding and knowledge of options, and trust a woman and her partner feel when the comfort of continuous, unbiased, informative care is provided to them.
We continually attempt to offer the highest level of holistic care to each of our patients with a complete range of services designed to achieve optimum health and well-being. Our prenatal care program includes a DONA-trained birth doula who understands the physiology of birth as well as the emotional needs that accompany pregnancy and birth. We will strive to present as an excellent resource for each unique pregnancy.
A doula provides support in numerous ways
- Emotional support (encouragement, reassurance, continuous physical presence)
- Informational support (providing resources, explaining procedures, options, and hospital protocols)
- Physical support (comfort measures, positioning, massage, assistance with breathing and relaxation)
- Advocacy (referencing birth plan and interpreting mothers wishes to staff)
- Partner support (enhancing the partners presence through role modeling, encouragement and reassurance)
A general doula care package consists of the following: $400
- 2-3 prenatal visits dependant on childbirth education needs, parental anxieties, special prenatal circumstances (i.e. planning a VBAC, specific religious concerns) etc.
- On call access at all times we can provide helpful hints for discomforts associated with pregnancy, can ease a sudden anxiety, or for useful resources to aid in making important decisions about your pregnancy.
- Continuous presence and support from the moment labor begins until the newborn is feeding. (Our Trained Doula attends births at all surrounding hospitals and clinics as well as in the home.)
- 1-2 postnatal visits to discuss the birth and any issues that may have arisen since bringing baby home, including assistance with breastfeeding and maternal postnatal care.
This package can be modified and molded to the needs of each individual pregnancy. Some insurances cover doula care, this option can be discussed in your consultation.
If you are interested in doula services and you would like to set up a free consultation to meet our trained Doula to discuss your options, please call the front desk at 414-332-6001.