House of Doula is a professional network of highly qualified service providers who work with expecting, postpartum and growing families. Membership standards are set forth by Industry Experts to ensure the highest quality referrals. What is a Doula? Doulas are personalized resource guides for the new or growing family, providing research based education and support during labor and the postpartum period. The doula assists each individual family in exploring and meeting their unique birthing and parenting goals and needs. History of the Word "Doula" In Ancient Greek households, a doula was a woman in the highest level of servitude to women in the home. Doulas assisted women during childbirth and childrearing. Why do families hire doulas? Many new parents find themselves distant from extended family support systems during labor, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Without this built in support network, many parents are at a loss for accurate information and loving support. We know that when women in labor feel safe and supported they have more positive birth experiences. We also know that when families lack adequate support, they experience added strain both during the birth and afterwards as mothers heal and parents adjust to life with a new baby at home. Today's doula provides this missing link for many new and growing families. Doulas in Labor Labor Doulas are trained childbirth professionals who provide non-medical assistance to pregnant women and their families in preparation for childbirth and during labor. This can include identifying birth goals and strategies, providing additional evidence-based education and resources, hands-on emotional and physical support, and advocating for mothers choices during childbirth. Having a Doula assisted birth has proven to: · Reduce cesarean rates by 50% · Reduce the length of labor by 25% · Reduce the use of Pitocin by 40% · Reduce the need for pain medication by 30% · Reduce the requests for epidural pain management by 60 % · Increase mom's self image · Increase satisfaction in the overall birth experience · Improve the relationship between mom and partner. (Information provided by Mothering the Mother, Klaus, Klaus, and Kennel) The Postpartum Doula Postpartum Doulas are trained professionals who provide non-medical in-home education and support. Doulas are guides for the postpartum family, providing immediate hands-on education, support and relief. Although this may include infant-care, doulas do not assume the role of primary care-giver for the newborn child but instead, care for the parents so that parents are able to care for their new child. Services A Postpartum Doula Can Provide Postpartum Depression Resources, Prevention Strategies & Coping Skills General Newborn or Infant Care Techniques Feeding & Sleeping Information Breastfeeding & Pumping Education General Maternal Care and Relief Sibling Attachment Practices Strategies for Multiple Care Special Needs & Preterm Infant Care Compassionate Listening Social Networking and Community Referrals Practical Household Organization & Management Infant Growth & Development Knowledge Overnight Infant Care Time for Parents to Reconnect © House of Doula, LLC • 720-219-8482 • contact us All rights reserved • Photography by Rachel Kemble Photography used with permission Graphic Design by O'Connor Graphic Design House of Doula takes the work out of finding a doula. We are a co-op of certified birth & postpartum doulas, breastfeeding educators and childbirth educators along the front range spanning from Castle Rock to Boulder. House of Doula believes that professional training, association, and certification creates standards within our industry that protect families and the doula community as a whole. Doula services make unique baby shower gifts.