Best Businesses for Doulas in Missouri

A Doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is in labor, or has recently given birth. There are three types of doulas: Birth Doulas (labor support companion), postpartum doulas, and antepartum doulas. Doula-client relationships usually begin a few months prior to labor. They inform clients about stress and trauma reducing techniques such as perineal massages. Their role is not to provide medical care, but to provide clients with information about the procedures and possible complications in pregnancy and delivery. During delivery, doulas are in close and constant proximity to the mother. They provide pain-relief techniques e.g. breathing, relaxation, and laboring positions. This helps to decrease anxiety during labor. After childbirth, they help new mothers begin the breastfeeding process. They also provide physical support by cleaning, cooking meals, and filling in when a new mother needs a break. Doulas practice in all kinds of settings including in hospitals, in doula agencies, in nonprofits and as independent business owners. The ultimate goal of the doula is to help the mother to achieve the healthiest and most satisfying childbirth experience, whether unmedicated or cesarean. Doulas have been reported to help decrease the overall cesarean rate, the length of labor, the use of oxytocin, and the request for an epidural.