Welcome to TaylorMade Doula!

“Doula” is a term used to describe a woman who offers continual physical and emotional support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, birth and after birth. The word “doula” is often thought to come from a Greek word, meaning “woman’s slave” or “servant”. In the ancient language of Sumerian, “Du” means birth and “La” means happiness. There are several different kinds of doulas- Prenatal Doulas, who offer support to moms during pregnancy, Postpartum Doulas offer support after the baby has arrived, and Birth Doulas are there throughout the entire labor and birth process. I am a Birth Doula.

Why hire a doula?
In an often-quoted study performed by Marshall Klaus, John Kennell and Phyllis Klaus, continuous doula care during labor was proven to:
  • Reduce the overall cesarean rate by 50%
  • Reduce the length of labor by 25%
  • Reduce oxytocin use by 40%
  • Reduce the use of pain medication by 30%
  • Reduce forceps deliveries by 40%
  • Reduce requests for epidural pain medication by 60%
  • Reduce incidences of maternal fever
  • Reduce the number of days newborns spent in NICU
  • Reduce the amount of septic workups performed on newborns
  • Results in higher rates of breastfeeding
  • Results in more positive maternal assessments of maternal confidence
  • Results in more positive maternal assessments of maternal and newborn health
  • Results in decreased rates of postpartum depression

  • Many insurance companies are beginning to take note of the cost-saving benefits of having doula support during labor and birth- check with yours to see if doula care is covered. You might be surprised!