WHAT IS A DOULA ????     PRONOUCED " DOO-LA" IS A GREEK WORD MEANING ,servent or caregiver,

a woman that offers support and both emotional and practical before during and after birth .

doulas are not medical proffessionals  doulas are usually women who have experienced birth

WHO HAS A DOULA?

. Women who have had bad birth experiences.

. Loss of faith in the medical maternity system.

. single mums

. concerns for partner

.lack of support

.mums to be

.mums with large families

what a doula provides:

.24 hour on call service 2 weeks before your due date

.early labour support as needed in the home or hopital

.assistance organising a birth plan

.constant care and support during labour

.breasfeeding support and refereals

.parenting and newborn information

.use of a fitball which has to be returned

going to a couple of antenatal visits

THEY DO NOT : give you vaginal examinations,heart checks,blood pressures etc they are not doctors .

they dont make decisions for you they only offer information you may need ,they do not speak to the medical stuff in your place ,but they can discuss with you and suggest options .

the fees are up to the doula you choose but they vary between $150 $400. well worth the money .

to have a less streessed birth.

also some offer an extra service starting at $20 an hour where after the baby is born they can give you support at home  and assistance with preparing a meal,looking after the baby while you sleep and helping with the house cleaning such as hanging clothes and washing .