What is a Doula?

A doula is a person who provides assistance to a woman during childbirth in the following three specific areas:

     Emotional support

     Physical comfort

     Information

A Massage Doula is a certified massage therapist who is, also, certified as a labor doula.  They can perform massage therapy during the pregnancy, provide doula support during childbirth, and perform postpartum massage after the baby is born.

Why are Doulas important?

During massage, the therapist can actually alter the sensation of pain by stimulating skin receptors connected to the brain.  Such stimulation helps the laboring mother’s body secret oxytocin, which makes the uterus contract, and endorphins, which reduce pain.

The child birth process is something that you will remember the rest of your life.  My job as a massage doula is to help make that process as wonderful as it can be.  I will assist in massages, helping mommy find different positions to help assist with the pain and give her information on what to expect during the laboring process.  If she decides to have pain medication during labor, I can help her pick which one would be right for her. I am not there to take your birth partners place. Instead I want to give the partner ideas and show them different things they can do to assist the laboring mother.

The whole process starts weeks before birth, getting to know the people who plan on being in the room with you, teaching you ways to prepare your body, and to help you get ready for your special birth. 

The process of deciding on having a massage doula, and finding one that is right for you is a very personal one.  It is preferred to bring your birthing partner with you so that way you both feel at ease with the decision.