Welcome to the Seattle Doula Directory!
What Does a Doula Do?
In Ancient Greek, the term “doula” literally means “female slave.” There are different kinds of doulas that assist expectant and new mothers in different points of their journey.
A Seattle birth doula offers support during the 9 months of pregnancy and during the celebration day- birthday! A good doula will attend all sonograms and appointments, help with maternity shopping, baby registrations, etc.
A Washington postpartum doula offers support to the new mother and her family. Postpartum doulas assist with the transition into motherhood. Some new mothers prefer to have a doula help with midnight feedings, help with breast feeding, running errands, light housekeeping, and other miscellaneous tasks to take the load off new mothers.
Doula responsibilities are variable based on what is best for the family and pregnant mother. It is important to note that a doula’s role is not to replace or lessen the role of the husband or partner, but to provide additional support and companionship for the new and sometimes emotionally fragile mother.
Why use a Seattle doula?
Women who use a doula have been shown to be in labor for shorter periods of time and use less pain controlling medications than women who decide not to use a doula. Mothers who use a doula area less likely to labor in a birth that results in a cesarian delivery. Mothers also have less rates of depression and higher self esteem following birth.
Babies born with help from a doula are likely to be less irritable and sleep better than babies born without doula help. New borns born to a doula-assisted delivery are less likely to have health problems and less likely to end up in intensive care.
How to find the right doula for you
A doula in Seattle will a companion who see you through your journey to motherhood. This is likely the most important and monumental time in your entire life. This can also be the most stressful and busy time of your life, too. That said, finding the right doula for you is crucial to having the most pleasant birth experience possible.
Typically, Seattle doulas will offer a free consultation with your family so you can figure out if you mesh well with each other. This initial consultation is casual and can include meeting up at a coffee shop or inviting the doula do your home. It is important to discuss the terms of the doula’s employment and define any limitations to her care towards you. Make sure you are on the same page and you feel confident in the doula’s ability to advocate for you while during labor. Make sure you know how your doula feels about your birthing choice and respects your decision for this choice.
Image Source: JMTorres