Precious Passage Birth Services, Ltd.     Erika Obert, DEM, CD(DONA)     erikao1@roadrunner.com    Ravenna, Ohio    330 577-5180
                                                                                                                            What is a doula?
           A doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and her partner before, during and just after childbirth.  This includes preparation for birth, helping the laboring woman with encouragement, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and an objective viewpoint, helping the mother and her partner interact successfully with medical providers, and support after childbirth such as helping to initiate breastfeeding.  Doulas believe that pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are normal, natural and healthy processes.   Doulas understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a laboring woman and her partner.  Doulas do not provide medical advice or perform medical procedures of any kind.  A doula will not make medical decisions for the mother or partner, but will provide them with the necessary and accurate information to make an informed decision.  For answers to some common misconceptions regarding doulas read Doula Myths -vs- Doula Realities .
Benefits of Having a Doula
50% Reduction in Cesarean Rate
25% Reduction in length of labor
40% Reduction in the need for labor stimulating drugs
60% Reduction in request for  epidural pain relief
Klaus, M.; Klaus, P.; Kennell, J. Mothering the Mother 1993
Who Needs a Doula?

Every pregnant woman will benefit from having a doula present during her labor and delivery.  A doula "mother's  the mother" in a way no other care provider can.  The doula enhances the supporting efforts of the mother's partner, which makes the birth experience more meaningful for everyone involved.  There are some situations when the presence of a doula becomes even more necessary.

These include :  
Couples attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
Women classified as high risk
Couples expecting twins or higher order multiples
Couples strongly committed to avoiding pain medication or routine interventions
Couples planning a home birth
Women laboring without the support of a partner
Couples who desire midwifery care but are unable to find a midwife
Couples attempting to overcome a 'bad' birth experience

 

Sophia Institute Press

 

Doula Service Package

  • Two prenatal visits to get acquainted and prepare for your birth.
  •  We will discuss your preferences for labor support, pain control and interventions.
  •  I will assist you in researching and writing a birth plan.
  • Professional referrals and resources will be available to you at any time.
  •  Access to my lending library (books, videos, tapes).
  •  Uninterrupted support during labor , birth and postpartum.
  •  Use of my labor support tools such as hot/cold rice packs, TENS Unit, birth ball, aromatherapy diffuser,  aromatherapy oils, massage oils & music.
  •  Help initiating breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.
  •  One postpartum visit to discuss your birth experience and any concerns you have for your baby.
  •  Monthly telephone and e-mail contact for one year after delivery.
    •

 

Service  Area  And Fees
           It is my goal to provide continuous, high quality support to my clients in the atmosphere of their choice.    We can labor at home as long as you like, or meet at the hospital.  While there are certain restrictions regarding doulas and out of hospital birth, because I am also a midwife, I will provide  homebirth labor support.   My service area includes but is not limited to the Cleveland/Akron/Canton area of Ohio. 
           Many couples feel they cannot afford a doula.  However, if you have an insurance co-pay [say an 80/20 plan], you will probably save more by having a doula present than your doula charges. Remember that labor is shorter, there are fewer interventions [continuous external or internal fetal monitoring, induction, Pitocin, vacuum or forceps delivery, epidural, narcotics], the cesarean rate is much lower and the epidural rate is much lower.  So, if you add up even 20% of the cost of these interventions, a doula actually saves you money. 
 
   My  fee for doula services is $600.  Because
I believe that every woman deserves a doula, I am
willing to negotiate if you cannot afford my fee.
Also, as of October 1, 2009, doula fees are
reimbursable by some insurance companies.
 
          It is entirely possible to have the birth experience you want and deserve.   Much  research has shown that when women and their partners are provided with continuous, compassionate support, they recall the birth experience with greater satisfaction and bond to their infants sooner, even if the experience they had wasn't what they would describe as "ideal".  My goal is to give you the gift of a birth experience you will WANT to remember.  Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions or comments at erikao1@roadrunner.com I also welcome phone calls at 330 577-5180.
 
 
To learn more about doulas and access other links about pregnancy,
 birth, nutrition and newborns, visit
Doula Network      OR

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