Our services
What is a Doula?
At the heart of Cascadia Birth Services are our labor and postpartum doula services. A doula provides evidence-based care and uses her training to offer emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother and family during and after birth.
While doulas are trained to provide comfort measures and pain coping strategies, we do not diagnose medical conditions, offer medical advice, perform examinations, or administer medications. Our role is to support the mother, her partner, and any children present, helping to create an environment that feels safe and conducive to the kind of open communication that is vital for a successful birth.
The Doula’s Impact
Over the years, numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of having another person to support the laboring mother and her partner. The most recently revised Cochrane Review, a meta-study of 16 clinical trials totaling over 13,000 women concluded:
Given the clear benefits and no known risks associated with intrapartum support, every effort should be made to ensure all labouring women receive support, not only from those close to them but also from specially trained caregivers. This support should include continuous presence, the provision of hands-on comfort, and encouragement. Hodnett, E.D. (Cochrane Review)
Developing a Trusting Relationship
Effective communication is key to building trust in a successful doula/client relationship. Our doulas will spend time getting to know you so that we can meet your needs during labor and birth. During the three pre-natal visits we will explore your priorities for your birth and help you develop a birth plan to share with your care providers and family. We will share effective comfort measures and practice different laboring positions, as well as share any resources that you may need to be as physically and emotionally prepared as possible for this life-changing experience.
Partnering with Your Partner
One of the common myths about labor doulas is that their presence diminishes the role of the partner attending the birth. In fact, the doula is not there to “take over,” but rather to complement the abilities of the partner. Having a doula with you throughout the labor frees the partner to be completely present to the emotional needs of the mother in labor. The doula can provide encouragement and support, and with her previous experience of attending other births, reassure both the mother and partner when the labor becomes more challenging.
In a study exploring the impact of a doula-attended birth versus just the partner, both parents separately reported that
“…the doulas’s presence during labor and delivery was extremely valuable. Many commented that they could not have gone through the childbirth experience without the doula.”
Time and again, partners have expressed their deep gratitude and relief for having another trained support person available, relieving them of the responsibility of being present for the entire labor. Knowing the doula will be there throughout the birth allows the partner to get much needed rest and nourishment, enabling them to return to their laboring partner with fresh energy. When the doula and partner can tag team together, everyone’s energy is more easily sustained, resulting in lower rates of medical interventions and higher rates of satisfaction with the birth experience. {Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, 2002}
