Labor/Birth Doulas are re-creating the woman-to-woman network of the past.  Having another woman present to provide reassurance and encouragement has been seen throughout history.  Doulas understand the emotional and physical complexities of birth, we are able to increase the intimacy of the experience for a mother and her partner by managing the fears of borth parents and providing useful comfort techniques for the mother that her partner may use as well.  We use a wide variety of pain management techniques to help a woman feel more safe and comfortable.

Labor/Birth Doulas Do Not:

Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. 
We are there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support and advocacy.

Make decisions for you.  We will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision.   We will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth preferences.

Speak to the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are being made. 
We will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak
on your behalf to the clinical staff.

Postpartum Doulas are nurturing, non-judgmental women who helps ease the transition into parenthood during the early postpartum weeks.  They offer emotional and breastfeeding support along with practical newborn care advice.  They take care of necessary household tasks such as meal preparation, light cleaning and errand running.  Importantly, a doula will adjust her services to meet the particular needs of each family. 

Postpartum Doulas Do Not:

Perform medical care such as diagnosis or treatment

Pressure parents to adhere to a particular style of baby care

"Take Over" baby care for the mother or father

Notice:  LIDA, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote the mutual advancement of the interests of it's members who may be, but are not required to be doulas.  As such, LIDA, Inc., cannot and does not accept any responsibility for the individual conduct of it's members and any contracts between a member and her cllient are exclusive to the member and her client. 

Contact u at info@lidoulas.com for information on our association, our mission, or our crisis fund.  Please e-mail or call members directly onour "member lists" to discuss specific services.