As a maternity and newborn photographer here in Springfield, MO, I get the privilege of hearing firsthand how much my clients rave about The Doula Foundation. If you’re expecting or recently had a baby, this team is amazing at supporting you physically, mentally, and emotionally during your pregnancy and those first few months with your new baby. They’re there every step of the way, helping you prepare and ensuring you have the support you need as you navigate growing your family.
I can’t speak highly enough about The Doula Foundation. In fact, I used their services when I was pregnant with one of my daughters, and I had a wonderful experience—not just with my doula, but with the entire team. They truly made a difference in making that special time in my life smoother and more enjoyable!
FAQ About The Doula Foundation In Springfield MO
What are Doulas and how do they help?
The Doula Foundation describes doulas as experienced birth companions who offer much more than just physical support—they provide emotional and mental support before, during, and after childbirth. As perinatal community health workers, their role extends beyond simply assisting with birth. They specialize in both birth and postpartum care, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.
What makes The Doula Foundation stand out is their holistic approach. They don’t just show up for the birth, they go above and beyond to support families by offering in-home visits, personalized care, and even connecting you to community resources that can help throughout your pregnancy and into the early days with your baby. Their goal is to ensure you feel fully prepared, supported, and empowered through the entire journey.
Whether you’re navigating the physical changes of pregnancy, the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum, or just need a trusted person by your side, their doulas are there to lend a helping hand, answer questions, and be a calming presence. It’s not just about birth—it’s about creating a nurturing, well-supported experience for both you and your baby.
What services does The Doula Foundation offer?
The Doula Foundation offers a variety of services to support you throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond:
Childbirth Education
Every pregnancy is unique, but the journey of labor, birth, and postpartum care remains a beautiful constant. Their childbirth education classes guide you through the process and provide essential knowledge for your own birth story, helping you navigate everything from physical changes to emotional support during pregnancy and the early days with your newborn.
Prenatal Yoga
Yoga is a game-changer for expecting moms! Not only does it help with stress relief, but it also provides gentle exercise to keep you feeling strong and ready for labor. It’s all about preparing your body and mind for birth while creating a sense of calm.
Postpartum Yoga and Support Group
Becoming a new mom is a beautiful, yet challenging experience. That’s why their Postpartum Yoga and Support Group is designed to help you relax, recharge, and connect with other new moms. This gentle yoga class promotes physical recovery while providing a peaceful space to talk through the challenges of new motherhood.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding can be tricky, but the doulas at The Doula Foundation are here to help. From the very first moments, they assist with skin-to-skin bonding and getting breastfeeding off to a smooth start. Their support ensures that you and your baby feel confident and comfortable with this beautiful new journey.
Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating postpartum, or looking for guidance along the way, The Doula Foundation is there to offer expertise and support for every step of the journey.
FAQ About Working With a Doula Answered By The Doula Foundation In Springfield MO
What about the partner’s role when using a birth doula?
“A doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.”
What role does the doula play during birth?
“Physicians and nurses are responsible for monitoring labor, assessing the medical condition of the mother and baby, and treating complications when they arise. However, childbirth is also an emotional experience with a long-term impact on a woman’s well-being. A birth doula is constantly aware that the mother and her partner will remember this experience throughout their lives. By mothering the mother during childbirth, the doula supports the parents in having a positive and memorable birth experience.”
What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes?
“Studies show that the presence of doula results in shorter labor, a reduced need for pain medication, and improved outcomes for both mother and baby.
In addition, long-term benefits of labor support include:
- Improved breastfeeding
- Decreased postpartum depression
- Greater maternal satisfaction
- Better mother-infant interaction.”
Does a doula make decisions during labor?
“A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support while respecting a woman’s decisions. A doula can provide the information to help parents make appropriate decisions and facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and medical care providers.”
Will a doula make the support partner feel unnecessary?
“No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.”
What is the difference between a community-based doula and a midwife?
“Community-based doulas do provide emotional and physical support for the laboring woman and her family and/or postpartum care of the mother and baby, and connection to valuable resources. Doula care has been shown to improve outcomes for both moms and babies in many studies.”
I’m planning to have an epidural; should I hire the Doula Foundation?
“A doula’s support is not only focused on managing pain during childbirth. She is your advocate throughout your labor and birth, helping you and your family with any questions or concerns that may arise, helping you understand what your care providers are saying, and attending to your comfort and needs.
Since pain medication and/or anesthesia don’t always arrive immediately, you are ready for it. You may benefit from having a doula support you during contractions until you get the relief you plan to receive. Once you have received anesthesia, although you may not feel the intensity of the contractions, you are still having a baby.
Your doula will remain with you throughout the birth, as well as the immediate postpartum period to support you and ensure that you and your family’s needs are being met.”
I’m planning to have a c-section; why should I use a doula?
“Having a cesarean section is still having a baby. Your birth doula serves as support and is an advocate throughout the preparation for surgery. Depending on hospital policies, she may be able to support you in the operating room as well. She will be at your side in the recovery room, can help initiate breastfeeding, and will assist your family with any questions or concerns that may arise, helping you understand what your care providers are saying, and attending to your comfort and needs.”
Does a doula replace the nursing staff?
“No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing cervical examinations, or providing postpartum clinical care. Birth doulas are there to comfort and support the mother and enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.”
Are you looking for a maternity and newborn photographer in Springfield MO?
Hello! I am a professional photographer based in Springfield MO, specializing in capturing expecting parents from pregnancy through your baby’s first year. I help with everything from finding the perfect outfit, location, planning, preparation, and more! There is even a motherhood client closet you are welcome to borrow from! Whether you are looking for an individual maternity session or a bundle of maternity, newborn, and milestone sessions, I have something for you! Click HERE for more information on working together.
Related:
