As a Springfield, MO maternity and newborn photographer, I often get to hear clients rave about working with The Doula Foundation in Springfield MO. They offer a wide range of services to support expecting and new parents as they enter a new baby into their family. They are there to support new parents physically, mentally, and emotionally during their pregnancy through the few months after their baby is born. They aim to help you prepare and have the support you need as you grow your family.
I love The Doula Foundation. It is the company I went through when I had my youngest daughter and had a fantastic experience not only with my doula but with their entire company.
FAQ About The Doula Foundation In Springfield MO
What are Doulas?
The Doula Foundation describes doula as, “Doulas are experienced birth companions who provide physical and emotional support before, during and after the birth. Our doulas are perinatal community health workers who not only specialize in birth and postpartum support but also offer in-home visitation and community referrals for the families we serve.”
How do doulas help?
“Whether you need support during pregnancy, birth, or in the first few months after birth, [The Doula Foundation has] Birth and Postpartum Doulas ready to ensure you have the best experience possible.”
What services does The Doula Foundation offer?
Childbirth education: “As every pregnancy and birth is different, the process remains wonderfully constant. From the process of labor and birth to physical and emotional care during pregnancy to early postpartum and newborn care, our classes are meant to be a guide as your own story unfolds.”
Prenatal Yoga: Yoga has so many benefits for expecting moms, including stress relief and exercise that helps you better prepare for birth.
Postpartum Yoga and Support Group: “Our Postpartum Yoga and Support Group was designed with the new mom in mind. This gentle restorative yoga class will leave you feeling calm, relaxed, and better prepared to face the challenges of being a new mom.”
Breastfeeding Support: “Doulas are at the heart of the birth and assist moms with breastfeeding from the start. Doulas assist with skin-to-skin bonding and breastfeeding initiation.”
FAQ About Any 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 still get a doula?
“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:
