Q) What is a Doula?

A) A Doula or PLA (Professional Labour Assistant) is a woman who has her own children and is a mother. She is somebody that has trained professionally and knows how to help labour progress normally. The word “doula” comes from the Greek word meaning servant. She is there to serve the laboring mom… emotionally, physically and give information to the make empowered decisions for herself.

Q) What does a Doula do? How does she help me?

A) She stays with mom from the time she is needed until baby has been born and is nursing nicely. She provides physical support (massage, back rubbing..holding…supporting…guiding …positions) and emotional support (encouragement, visualisation, affirmation) and companionship. She answers questions that you may have and explains things to the couple as they need to guide them as to what may happen next, alleviating fear of the unknown and gives them encouragement and guidance to make the right decisions for themselves in birth. She helps keep your birth wishes in perspective. She is an interpreter between medical staff and couple. She helps ensure that unnecessary medical interventions are kept to a minimum

Q) What about my husband / partner?

A) The doula acts as part of the team you have chosen. She helps the husband/partner to feel involved by guiding him/her as how to help physically and emotionally. Some partners want to feel involved but don’t know how or what to do . The doula will guide your husband/partner. She is also sensitive to when the couple may want to be alone. She is non judgmental.

Q) What will my ObGyn / Midwife say if I have a Doula?

A) They are usually only too pleased. Doctors, midwives and especially hospital staff cannot be with you continuously whereas your doula can . But sometimes this has to be negotiated as to hospital policy as well

Q) What's the benefit of having a Doula?

A) Apart from what we have just explained medical based evidence Klaus, Klaus and Kennell (1991) says 50%need for a caesarean is reduced…40% reduced use of forceps delivery…25% decrease of length of labour…40% decrease of use of pitocin (induction / augmentation)… 60% reduced request for epidural… 30% reduced use of pain meds

Q) How much is it and what does it include?

A) Our first meeting is free of charge. If you decide to hire me. We meet again before the birth and your hubby / partner. I am on call for you 24 hours a day 2 weeks before your due date. I am available for telephonic support and any questions that you may have throughout your pregnancy. I also have a library of books that I lend out. I provide you with on hand birth support from the time you need me in labour until the time the baby is born and then for about another 2 hours until baby is nursing and you are settled. I then do a post natal visit in the hospital or in your home in the first week after birth to discuss the birth and see if I can offer any other help.

Cost: R4000 (If price is an issue we can work something out.)