The Doula Cheerleader, LLC

What is a doula?

A Doula (Dou·La) is a trained non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client during the maternal health period to help them achieve the healthiest, most desired experience possible.

A Doula Does:

• Provide physical and emotional maternal support
• Supports client before, during & after birth
• Works in collaboration with the client’s support system and medical team
• Share evidence-based information to help clients make informed decisions

A Doula does not:

• Deliver babies
• Perform medical procedures (i.e. cervical exams, prescribe medication)
• Substitute or replace a Midwife or Doctor
• Replace the client’s support system
• Speak on your behalf

What are the benefits of having a doula?

Research shows that Doula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes such as a decrease in preterm birth rates, increase in breastfeeding rates and desired birth outcomes. (Resource 1)

Studies also suggest that doula-supported care can make labor and delivery safer for pregnant people and their babies. Benefits of doula care include (Resource 2):

• Fewer c-sections (cesarean sections)
• Less anxiety and depression for pregnant people
• Less pain-relief medication during labor
• Shorter time in labor
• Fewer negative childbirth experiences
• Better communication between pregnant people and their health care providers
• Lower healthcare costs

In comparison with pregnant people who opt to not have a doula, pregnant people with high risk concerns during labor and delivery care who have a doula are:

• Two times less likely to experience a birth complication
• Four times less likely to have a low birthweight baby
• More likely to breastfeed
• More likely to feel happy about the care they received March of Dimes)

When should I contact a doula?

When you are ready. There’s no such thing as too early or too late.

Helpful Tip: Give yourself enough time to interview candidates to ensure you select the best doula for your needs and confirm your doulas’ availability around your estimated due date. Ideally, your doula will be booked by your second trimester and begin prenatal visits and/or begin planning postpartum care.

Remember, the sooner you book your doula, the sooner they can begin supporting you.

I am planning to birth at a hospital or birthing center, can I still have a doula?

• Yes. As your doula I attend to clients in home, hospital and birth center settings.

Do you offer payment plans?

• Yes. Payment options and plans are available and will be discussed during the free one-on-one consultation.

Do you take Insurance?

• Health Insurance reimbursement may be possible. Please complete the referral form linked below for more information.