Ahava Doula Services

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

Sometimes you might think that a doula's fee is over priced, and their services over-rated. This is not the case! Keep in mind, that some mommas labors are very long (I've been to one that was 5 days!) Which means, I was getting almost 3 dollars an hour, not counting travel expenses, material expenses, and a few other things. Also, doulas are on call for you 2 weeks before your due date, which means they can go almost nowhere, and not do very much, because they are on call 24/7! I've even had to miss my family's vacation, and will have to again this year. We are serving you- with our lives basically. Trying to ensure that you are protected, served, loved and able to have the best birth you can possibly have so your baby can have a good start.For us, birth is not a job, or a paycheck- it's a passion! Please keep this in mind when "shopping" for doulas.;-)

Thanks, and God bless!