Discover the benefits of having Summer by your side throughout your perinatal journey.
What is a Doula?
Growing and nurturing a baby is so personal and intimate, and Summer will be with you every step of the way. Imagine a guide, a professional friend/family member without the baggage who will help you feel comfortable, informed, and empowered during the journey into parenthood. As your doula, Summer is dedicated to making your perinatal journey smoother and more positive for everyone involved!
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support through major life experiences like childbirth, postpartum recovery, abortion, miscarriage, and end-of-life care. There are birth, postpartum, death, and abortion doulas. Doulas that cover all of life's experiences are full spectrum doulas. Historically, childbirth was a communal experience, with birthing people supported by mothers, sisters, aunts, and other experienced women who provided comfort, guidance, and reassurance—much like modern doulas do today. Nowadays, the majority of people (98.4%) are giving birth in hospitals and continuous support during labor has become the exception rather than the norm.
Summer is your one stop shop for your questions and fills in the gaps in our medical system.
During labor and birth, doctors and nurses see many patients in one day and only spend a few moments with you. But Summer gets a 360 view and is there to fully understand your wishes at an intimate level. She will be with you from the moment she is hired to the birth of your baby to after the baby is born. Summer will prepare you for what to expect while also incorporating your birth preferences and desires. Wherever you choose to give birth (hospital, birth center, or home), Summer provides unwavering support and will be there to ensure your needs are being met.
During postpartum, Summer supports you and your family to have the space to recover, rest, and bond as you transition to life with your newborn. She will offer practical help and expert advice during those early days and weeks when everything feels overwhelming. Summer assists with feeding, soothing your baby, light household tasks, self-care for you, and so much more. All birthing people should center themselves and be taken care of after giving birth!
Read more from ACOG (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists): I’m an Ob-Gyn. Here’s Why I Had a Doula Help With My Delivery
The Research & Evidence of Having a Birth Doula
In many settings, the hospital and labor ward function according to a risk-oriented, technology-dominated approach to care. Continuous support during labor has clinically meaningful benefits for birthing people and infants and no known harm.
Higher satisfaction - 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively
Likely to feel less pain - 9% less likely to use pain medication
Shorter labor and 28% less likely to have a cesarean section
More likely to give birth “spontaneously” and 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
Sources:
https://icea.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Role_Scope_Doula_PP.pdf
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5/full
Find other proven benefits here.
