WHAT IS A DOULA? The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

RECOGNIZES BIRTH AS A KEY EXPERIENCE THE MOTHER WILL REMEMBER ALL HER LIFE
UNDERSTANDS THE PHYSIOLOGY OF BIRTH AND THE EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF A WOMAN IN LABOR
ASSISTS THE WOMAN IN PREPARING FOR AND CARRYING OUT HER PLANS FOR BIRTH
STAYS WITH THE WOMAN THROUGHOUT THE LABOR
PROVIDES EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, PHYSICAL COMFORT MEASURES AND AN OBJECTIVE VIEWPOINT, AS WELL AS HELPING THE WOMAN GET THE INFORMATION SHE NEEDS TO MAKE INFORMED DECISION FACILITATES COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE LABORING WOMAN, HER PARTNER AND HER CLINICAL CARE PROVIDERS
PERCEIVES HER ROLE AS NURTURING AND PROTECTING THE WOMAN'S MEMORY OF THE BIRTH EXPERIENCE
ALLOWS THE WOMAN'S PARTNER TO PARTICIPATE AT HIS/HER COMFORT LEVEL

AS DOULAS WE DO NOT...

Perform any clinical tasks As doulas we are not qualified to perform any clinical tasks including assessment of labour progress, assessment of wellbeing of mother or baby, giving medical advice, or catching/delivering the baby. These things are NOT within the scope of practice of a birth doula. Instead, we work alongside your maternity care team to provide you with continuous emotional and physical support that focuses on enhancing the labour and birth experience

Make decisions or speak for you We support you and your family as autonomous decision-makers who know what is best for themselves and their children. We also respect the advice and decisions made by maternity care providers in the interests of their patients. In no way do we wish to take responsibility for any decision regarding your pregnancy, birth, or baby. Instead, we will help you by gathering information, facilitating productive discussions, and supporting your decisions in a respectful manner. Likewise, we cannot advocate for you by speaking on your behalf to your maternity care team. While we can encourage and support you to use your voice and empower you in your personal choices, it is your responsibility to communicate your wishes with your care providers directly.

Replace your existing support people Community is essential in childbearing. While we believe having a doula is especially necessary for those who do not have access to any support in their community, it is still very useful for people who do have a supportive partner, mother, or friend. It is not our intention or purpose to replace the people who are close to you, but to support the entire unit as it is: you and your community. We can help by teaching your partner tricks to try that make labour easier for you. We can relieve your partner for a break to eat or go to the bathroom. We can explain and reassure you both through the normal process of labour and through any procedures should they become necessary. We can hold your other hand so that you know you are totally surrounded by people who care for you. It is a myth that doulas replace partners. No relationship could ever come close to that one. It is not our intention to pull you apart, rather the opposite is true: as your doulas we intend to both assist you and help create the supportive space for your partnership to flourish. We support the birth of a family...with all members empowered in their roles.

Prenatal Massage- We come to you. Daytime, evenings and weekends. We have prenatal pillow to allow you to lay on your stomach for the massage- If you prefer we can also treat you on your side. Prenatal massage benefits include

Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles
Lessens sciatic pain
Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the low back & neck, calf cramps, it also helps with tension and tightening that can be experienced throughout the body
Tones lose muscles relaxes tense muscles and can help increase flexibility.
Helps with relaxation which in turn can decrease insomnia
Increases blood and lymph flow which can help increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, this can also help with fatigue.
Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes on up to 10-15% after a massage.
Strengthens the immune system
Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system.
Helps relieve anxiety or depression
Helps increase blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby.

Labour Massage- We come to you in LABOUR- At home or At the hospital! (Keep in mind these can not be prebooked- based on availability)Benefits can include:

Shorter birth time (Massage on some body parts have been known to speed up labour)
Massage stimulates your body to release endorphins, the natural pain-killing, mood-lifting substances
Touch can make you feel better while you're coping with contractions and are perhaps tired and frightened
Massage has been shown to ease pain and reduce anxiety in the first stage of labour. It can help you to cope with your contractions by making them feel less intense and more manageable.
Eases stress mothers often feel after the birth and lower the risk of postpartum depression

Postnatal Massage made easy-- we come to you! Enjoy your massage in your home with your new baby! You don't have to leave your Nest! We have seen it all- we cater to you- breastfeed, cuddle, whatever you need to do. We want your massage to benefit you- physically and emotionally! Postnatal massage can begin within the first few days of birth or within first few weeks. Massage is completely catered to you and what you are comfortable with. There are no studies to prove this, but many medical experts believe that getting massaged after your delivery has several benefits including:

Reduce sore spots and relax muscle tension. The whole process of childbirth has been a strain on your body, particularly your abdomen, lower back and hips, not to mention your upper back due to all the breastfeeding.
A massage increases the flow of blood and oxygen to your muscles, getting rid of the toxins that make you sore.
Bring your body back to its pre-pregnancy state. The kneading and stroking action helps to tone and tighten stretched areas like your tummy.
Your body release endorphins - natural pain killers secreted by the brain.
Your body release oxytocins. Oxytocins trigger the milk ejection reflex which pushes the milk out of the nipple, making it easier for you to breastfeed your baby. And the more you breastfeed your baby, the more milk you will produce. A breast massage will help open blocked ducts, loosen clumps or hardened areas, and reduce the risk of mastitis.
Speed up recovery from a caesarean section if you've had one. Once your cut has healed, massaging the scar tissue softens and smoothens out the scar. It also increases circulation, stimulating the healing process internally and preventing organs and tissues, which are meant to be separate, from sticking together.
Lighten stretch marks when almond-based lotions and oils are used.
Improve immunity by stimulating lymph flow.
Reduce cramps and spasms.
Cope with baby blues and postnatal depression

Lokahi Massage and Pregnancy Services

Mobile and Pregnancy Massage

BIRTH DOULA

Prenatal Massage, Labour massage&Postnatal Massage