What is a doula?...Do you help deliver babies?
Actually, I help deliver mothers!

Definitions for doula and postpartum doula from the DONA.org website:

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).

A Postpartum Doula

• Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
• Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
• Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary
  
  

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
A postpartum doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials PCD(DONA).

Do I still need a doula if my husband/partner/sister will be there?
Yes! A doula does not replace family support. Like your OB, midwife and nurse, a doula is there as a professional experienced in childbirth. This frees up family members and friends from the responsibility of being experts on birth. The family can then support the mother as they feel most comfortable. They can also look to the doula when they have questions. The doula can only answer non-medical questions and will refer medical questions to the appropriate care provider.

Fees and Service
My fees are based on my current experience (I've worked with over 50 families including births and lactation/postpartum support, I've attended over 40 births dating back to 2003, including my work as an assistant to a homebirth midwife). An initial consultation is free with no obligation. Total cost of my birth doula services is $1000.
If we choose to contract, I will provide:

• Two prenatal appointments at your home as time allows, and/or other agreed upon arrangement,
• Be there for your birth, from as early as you call me until about two hours after the delivery,
• Thorough clean-up for homebirths,
• Support for breastfeeding if requested,
• One follow-up postpartum visit within two weeks, and
• 24/7 Phone and email support from contract signing to two weeks postpartum.

For additional postpartum care, I charge $50/hour with a 3/hour per day minimum.  Postpartum care/lactation support can be arranged whether or not I was your birth doula.

Yoga Birth Method
The Yoga Birth Method is an 8-step birthing pathway using yoga postures, breathing and intention to prepare for a natural childbirth. It is practiced both prenatally and during actual labor and birth. The earlier in your pregnancy you begin learning and practicing the better, but you can start at any time and no previous yoga experience is required. I can incorporate the method into your two included prenatals, add additional sessions, or teach you independent of my doula services.

Private Childbirth Preparation Classes
The foundation for what I teach comes from Bradley, The Yoga Birth Method, Fear to Freedom, Hypnobirthing, and of course lots of practical birthing experience as a doula and mother. I am certified in all of these methods except for Bradley, which is self-taught.

Classes are customized to what you would like to learn together.  We can do a one day crash course or a few days series over a few weeks. My rate for private childbirth classes at your home is $65/hour.  A minimum of four hours is recommended. You can invite one other mom/couple  at the same rate. Three or more is $75/hr. With additional people you may want to allow for additional time for the additional questions. Of course when the class  happens, we can go off the planned topics, and/or deeper into any specific topic that interests you.


What if...?
"What if you cannot attend my birth?" While it is rarely needed, I do have wonderful back-up. In the unlikely event that I am unable to attend your birth, I would send qualified back-up with similar experience and philosophies to myself. When I contract with you, I am committed to being at your birth. Not because of the paper, but because this is who I am, I want to make sure things go as well as possible, and I know how important this is!

Due Dates
Your due date is approaching and you haven't found a doula yet? Contact me via maiysha@maidoula.com and we can set up an appointment to meet in person. Emails are usually returned the same day. If I don't get right back to you, I may be at a birth and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I take clients in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Note: I am not taking clients due  June 1 through August 14th.