Mother and Baby
What is a Doula?
• A Doula is an extra pair of knowledgeable hands.• Is a resource for information about pregnancy,
birth and parenting.
• Stays with the laboring mother through her
entire labor.
• Works for the mother, not the care provider or
the hospital.
• Helps to create an environment where mothers
and their families can labor comfortably and
effectively.
• Supports fathers and partners so they can
concentrate on nurturing and caring.
• Works in hospitals and at home.
• Helps create positive birth memories.
Who uses doulas?
• First time mothers• Families with other older children
• Mothers recovering from a Cesarean Surgery
• Partners who return to work early
• Families with multiple births such as twins or triplets
Postnatal Birth support for the first 6 weeks
Benefits of a Doula ....
The benefits are tailored to the mother and father’s
individual needs.
• Increased chance of breastfeeding successfully
• Increase earlier bonding with mother and the whole
family unit
• Reduces post natal depression
• More support for mother if exhaustion, frustration,
and anxiety during the early weeks of parenting for
both mother and father
• Partner can return to work sooner reducing his
worry and guilt about leaving mum on her own
• Support understanding a newborn’s behavior
• Infant massage teaching to increase the bond
and attachment of parents and baby
• Supports the mother when having another
baby and is able to mind the other children
until after the delivery
What does a Doula Do?
• Provides continuous care throughout the labor.• Has skills for making labor easier to cope with
and less painful
• Knows specific techniques for helping with
back labor
• Can provide early labor support at home
• Assists with relaxation & visualization techniques
• Offers support for vaginal birth after cesarean
(VBAC)
• Liaisons with hospital staff to facilitate decision
making for you and your partner
• Helps you to prepare a personalized birth plan
• Can suggest comfort measures during pregnancy,
labor and postpartum periods
• Is aware of baby’s needs for a gentle massage
• Provides newborn and breastfeeding
education and support
• Can provide information about local
community resources
• On call 24 hours for clients for support
What does a postnatal doula do?
• Assist with breast feeding support• Caring for the mother
• House duties, cooking meals, shopping
• Caring for infant while mum has a rest
• This is so the mum can spend more time
bonding and resting with the baby
White Owl Birthing service offer…
Natural therapies services and products to supportyou and your partner to wellness
Health rebates apply for individual practitioners for
• Infant massage,
• Lactation consultation
• Naturopathy.
• Child birth Education Classes
White Owl Doula support services are
available through out Melbourne and
surrounding areas. We have a doula in Croydon, Maroondah, also servicing Yarra Ranges, Whitehorse, greater Melbourne, Werribbee and Geelong
Care is provided by Qualified Regsitered Nurses and midwives offering doula birth support.
and other health professional networks whohave had police and working with children
checks and are current with their registrations
for professional practice.
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