Labor Doula Care

Labor Doula Care Registration Form

In sharing so much time with prenatal yoga moms, working with couples together through childbirth education and different workshops, for Debra, being able to provide physical, emotional and non-judgmental support beginning in early labor, through birth and early postpartum is both an honor and blessing. Thank you students for sharing this most amazing experience with me.

Debra is a holistic labor, birth & postpartum companion (doula). Doula is a "Greek" word meaning "mothering the mother". Providing mothers and fathers to-be continual support throughout labor, birth and early postpartum. A wonderful way of achieving a more relaxed, natural birth using special comfort measures while supporting Mom 100% during each phase of labor. Assisting with the preparation and implementation of birth plans. Answering questions, offering educated information of risks and benefits to medications and supporting the choices of each client. Reassuring and helping couples to labor longer at home, avoiding potential medical interventions by suggesting position changes, using breathing/relaxation techniques, music and massage. Working together with Dad so he can relax and enjoy this "Celebration of Life" without tension, frustration and fear, knowing mother and baby are calm, supported, focused and able to follow the "natural instincts" of her body. Letting go of the tension-fear-pain syndrome while relaxing & meditating during contractions, tapping into a deeper consciousness, saving energy needed to breathe while birthing your baby. No matter what turn your birth path takes, your Doula is there for you.

Studies have shown that having the support and care of another woman present during labor, the laboring woman is more likely to have a shorter, safer more satisfying birth experience.

Some benefits of Doula Care:

• Achieving a more relaxed comfortable birth using all of the above-mentioned techniques therefore avoiding drugs and potential major abdominal surgery
• 50% reduction in cesarean rate
• Reduced duration of labor
• 40% reduced use of pitocin
• Reduced use of forceps and vacuum extraction
• Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection
• Fewer episiotomies
• Increased chance of successful breastfeeding
• Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth

The Role of a Doula

With many possibilities of how labor may begin, at home, with your fluid intact, or maybe the membranes release and you have no contractions...what to do? There are things to be aware of and questions your doula will go over with you at the prenatal visit which takes place approximately three weeks prior to the EDD (estimated due date).  If there is no medical reason for rushing into the hospital, it can benefit mom to wait until she is in active labor so that her contractions do not slow down before her labor pattern is well established. Even if a mother knows that she may want medication during her labor, spending early labor in the comfort of your own home, with your doula and birth companion, allows mom to relax, rest in between contractions, be comfortable, eat and drink. This helps her to avoid the chances of receiving pitocin (artificial oxytocin) to re-establish or augment her labor pattern once at the hospital. Early labor does not necessarily bear the need for medication, so comfort measures work great during this time instead of pain medication. Your doula will work with you using relaxed breathing techniques, comfort positions, her loving touch, energy and more...

Once at the hospital, having your doula with you allows for constant support. Although nurses can be very supportive; it is unusual for you to be her only patient.  Her time spent in your room is used to assess and document your well being and that of your baby. Some nurses are not trained in alternative techniques and hands-on support for comfort so are more likely to suggest medication instead of trying alternative, non-medicated techniques for discomfort.  Also, nurses change shifts so during a long labor you may see several nurses, but knowing that your doula will remain with you constantly through all of those changes can be very reassuring to mother. You may even see a different caregiver from the one that was on call when you began your labor!  The doctor/ midwife is only called in on occasion and usually shows up when mother is ready to actually bring baby into the world.

Do health insurance companies pay for doula services?

Some insurance companies cover doula services, and the numbers are increasing gradually as providers are beginning to recognize the benefits of improving parental satisfaction and the savings when parents employ a doula for their birth. Insurance companies are more likely to pay if the OB/Midwife writes a prescription for professional labor support and/or postpartum home health care.  Also, if a doula provides doula care/services with a birth center and midwife,  together as a reimbursable service, this can increase the chance for coverage. If your doula is also a childbirth educator providing both services the insurance companies may reimbursement for either the doula care service, childbirth education provided or both.

Check or Money Order to:
Debra Geymayr
P.O. Box 143663
Miami , FL 33114