Doula Stats
The presence of a doula can reduce C-Section rates by 28-56%*
Doulas can help reduce epidural rates by 9% or more*
Doulas can help reduce induction rates**
*Hodnett et al., 2012, Kozhimannil et al., 2016
**Hannah et al., 1996, Kassab et al., 2011; Pavicic et al., 2009; Goer, 2012
Learn about the full range of services at GroundWork Birth
What is a doula?
A doula provides support, comfort, and calm during highly transitional times of life.
A doula helps prepare for a major transitional event like birth, postpartum, and miscarriage/abortion by educating about the process and teaching methods to cope with physical fluctuations, nervous system regulation, and spiritual integration.
During birth, a doula can apply the use of massage, heat/cold, movement and positioning, coaching, and many other other non-medical measures to support the laboring process.
Most importantly, a doula provides support tailored to the unique needs of the birthing person and their family.
What is an Ayurvedic doula?
An Ayurvedic doula provides evidence-based doula support while also incorporating the wisdom of the traditional Indian medicine system of Ayurveda.
This can provide a practical framework through which to view the physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation around the birthing process. No particular religion or spiritual association is necessary. Ayurveda is inclusive and widely applicable to all faiths or agnostics.
In addition to the practical aspects of birth, we will discuss supportive foods, herbs, and practices like breathing, yoga, and pelvic floor movement to support your changing body before, during, and after birth.
Birth + Postpartum Doula Services
Birth Doula Services
Pregnancy
2x 1.5 hour prenatal visits
Access to GroundWork Birth online birth education portal
In-depth discussion of birth preferences
Movement and coping techniques to support the body and mind during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
Lactation education and counseling
Birth partner support for labor, birth, and postpartum
Postpartum planning
Empathetic discussions of thoughts and feelings around pregnancy and labor
Referrals to local, national, and online resources
Labor + Birth
24/7 on-call support from 37 weeks
Support and comfort measures during labor
Support for birthing partner
Interface with the medical team or midwives
Immediate lactation support after birth
Postpartum
1-2 hr postpartum visit
Birth story processing
Lactation assessment and support
Postpartum Doula Services
Postpartum Daily Visits
Customized support duration
Education on fundamentals of postpartum health for long-term health
Meal preparation tailored to your preferences
Light housework or errands
Parent + Baby
Baby care so new parents can rest or shower
Lactation assessment + counseling
Birth story sharing and processing
Breath and movement support for pelvic floor health
Referrals to perinatal professionals
Movement + Nervous System Regulation
Breath + movement coaching for pelvic floor health
Energy and breath coaching to support nervous system regulation
Herbal education for hormone and nervous system regulation
Postpartum Overnight Care
Feeding cues and/or scheduled feedings maintained
Pumping support
Baby laundry or light housework
Breakfast preparation