Doula Care
Our doulas begin working with clients at the start of the third trimester and provide ongoing communication between 32 weeks and delivery to address your birth plan and make necessary changes as time progresses. They provide you with emotional and physical support to ensure you have a healthy, safe, and positive birthing experience. Your doula will educate you about what to expect during the labor and delivery process to ease any fear or concerns you have so you feel comforted and empowered on this journey. During labor, they help you manage pain and relaxation when it is most needed. As stated in “Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth,” having a doula present reduces the rate of C-sections (Hodnett ED, Gates S, et al., 2013) as c-sections are higher among African American women.
An essential practice in our doula care is to provide trauma-informed services. Meaning our doulas will reduce the risk of trauma/re-traumatization during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We conduct client screenings to assess trauma exposure and health complications before your labor process begins. It is vital to ensure your mental health needs are met. According to the “Center for American Progress, “studies show that doulas provide critical advocacy and support, especially for those at risk of bias and discrimination (www.americanprogress.org). We understand the sensitivity and significance of each stage of pregnancy, especially for African American women. Our doulas take on the challenging parts so you can embrace the joys of motherhood.