What is a Doula?
Doulas (pronounced doo-lah) are trained and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. Doulas provide non-medical, physical support as well as emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor, birth, and the weeks that follow childbirth.
Our culture no longer benefits from the social atmosphere of other experienced women during labor. Labors are now private, mostly in hospitals, and usually viewed as a medical procedure. Couples are looking for and benefiting greatly from the expertise and continuous support that a doula brings to the birth experience. Doulas have faith in the natural process of birth and recognize it as a key life event.
There Are Two Types of Doulas:
A Birth Doula assists the pregnant woman and her partner in preparing for the upcoming birth. During labor she provides continuous support to the mother as well as practical comfort measures. She ensures active involvement of the partner, by working as a team.
A Postpartum Doula/Baby Nurse provides nurturing to the new mother and baby and gives assistance to the whole family. It can be very overwhelming when the baby comes home. A new mom needs rest, a new dad needs to process the change in the family dynamics, and siblings are trying to adjust as well. Postpartum doulas are trained to help relieve much of the overwhelming feelings that come with a new baby. Postpartum doulas help with guidance on newborn care, breast-feeding, parenting, help with siblings, household chores, errands, and much more.
Dads and Doulas:
Dads need doulas too. Sometimes dads express more appreciation for the doula than mom does. Doulas do not replace the dad, they work to ensure the active involvement of the father. Doulas can guide the father on ways to help the mother through her labor, relieving the pressure and allowing for more enjoyment of the experience. Doulas allow dads an opportunity to eat and rest or be with other family members. Sometimes dads want to take pictures and video record what is happening. The doula allows more options for the couple. Dad is always encouraged to be the primary support and actively involved, the doula is there to assist and to give reassurance and answer questions not just for mom but for dad as well.
Outcomes of Doula Support:
~ Shorter labors
~ Improved neonatal outcome
~ Better mother-infant interaction
~ Improved breast feeding rates
~ Greater maternal satisfaction
~ Reduces the need for pain relief, pitocin, & episiotomies
~ Decreased chance for cesarean
Doulas Do Not:
Provide medical care. Doulas are not trained or licensed to provide medical care. Doulas do not perform clinical task, doulas will not make medical decisions for you, doulas will not replace the partner.
Noella Fees for Services:
An increasing list of insurance companies now reimburse for doulas, however, the amounts are not consistent.
Noella Inc. will try to accommodate everyone financially. We welcome creative financial arrangements as well as bartering. Be sure to ask for a list of services and items that we would like to barter. Scholarships will soon be available and donations are always welcomed.
Birth Doula fee:
Prices begin at $720.00 with the balance due in full by week 33. $360.00 is due at time of contracting unless other arrangements have been made.
Postpartum Doula / Baby Nurse fee:
$20.00 per hour. Usually postpartum doulas are hired for 2-8 hours a day from 1-8 weeks after birth. You can hire a doula for a longer or shorter duration depending on your needs.
Special Package Prices are available for those who are interested in more than one service.
Providing South Florida with Doulas, Baby Nurses, and Childbirth Classes