Whatisdoula

Healing Hands Holistic Arts
~ Doula Services ~
110 W. Michigan Ave.
Marshall, MI, 49068

      A Doula is a woman who offers physical and emotional support
to pregnant and birthing women. The word "Doula" is a Greek word
that meant "Woman's Helper" and has come to mean a woman who
helps birthing women today. A doula is sometimes also called
Professional Labor Support.

        At this important, joyful and sometimes stressful time in a
woman’s life it is important that she have the support she chooses to
help her through this journey. A doula is a very valuable member of
her birthing team. Because a doula is hired by and accountable to the
new parents, a special relationship is developed that is very helpful
during the laboring process. Mom has a constant labor supporter that
she knows and is comfortable with, that will not leave her until well
after the baby is born. No shift change and no other patients to care
for, the doula is completely focused on you and your birth!

      Doulas know about normal birth processes and are helpful in
encouraging you as you progress in labor. Doulas also help facilitate
your birth preferences, helping ensure that hospital staff and family
know and are able to respect your choices and wishes. Doulas do
not judge your choices for labor and birth, but are there to help ensure
that your choices are respected. After the birth of your precious new
baby, doulas are a reassuring presence during the first few days and
weeks of motherhood. New baby care, baths, dressing, holding,
breastfeeding and other questions are all addressed in your
postnatal visits.

        Jennifer is a DONA ( www.dona.org ) trained doula who has 5
years experience in doula-ing moms. She is the mother of 4 herself,
two born in hospital, two born at home, in water. She is a formerly
certified EMT and massage therapist.
       Services include:

Prenatal visits - discussing your needs, wishes and concerns
Prenatal massage - one hour, included in fee
Hands-on practical pain relief methods to practice before labor
Information on normal pregnancy and birth and special
circumstances that may arise
Referrals to local, independent birth and parenting classes
Information on "Attachment Parenting" styles and baby gear
Additional resources such as informative books and videos to
loan and websites to explore to learn more.

       Initial consultations are always free and take place in her office
in Marshall. Allow about one hour and bring a notebook with
questions you may have. Kids are always welcome!

    Things a Doula does not do:

She does not do clinical exams (i.e. checking for dilation,
checking baby's heartbeat)
She does not provide an assessment of your or your baby's
health
She does not catch or "deliver" the baby
She does not take the place of your spouse or life partner
She does not tell you what to do or speak for you, although she
will be an advocate for your healthcare choices
She does not judge your choices in care, but simply supports
and helps you achieve those goals, when possible.

      Please email here or call 269-781-7509 today to set up your
FREE consultation to see if a Doula is right for you and your baby!

                                            Jennifer Delaney
                                              269-781-7509