Hope of Motherhood is a nonprofit maternity & postpartum support organization located at 1855 Wells Rd, Suite 2, 2nd Floor, Orange Park, Florida. We serve families throughout Clay County, including Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Middleburg, and welcome families from surrounding communities across Northeast Florida.
Adding a Doula to Your Birth Team
Once you’ve chosen your maternity care provider, another person you may want to consider adding to your birth team is a doula. A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy and birth. Unlike your doctor or midwife, a doula isn’t responsible for your clinical care—their focus is supporting you.
Evidence supports continuous labor support. Research has found benefits for both the birth experience and birth outcomes, and organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognize the benefits of continuous one-to-one labor support.
Hiring your doula during pregnancy also gives you time to build a relationship before labor. Having someone you already know and trust beside you can be an important part of feeling supported during birth. Research reviewed by Evidence Based Birth found that families described feeling more secure going into labor when they had an established relationship with their doula.
What Does a Doula Actually Do?
During pregnancy, your doula may help you learn about your options, prepare for labor, talk through your birth preferences, find evidence-based resources, and help your partner prepare for their role.
During labor, a doula provides continuous support that may include:
- Encouragement and reassurance
- Massage, counterpressure, and other comfort measures
- Suggestions for movement and position changes
- Helping your partner stay involved and supported
- Helping you communicate your questions and preferences
- Staying with you throughout labor
A doula can support you whether you’re planning to give birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home.
Should I Hire a Doula?
Think about the kind of support you’d like during pregnancy and birth. Would you like someone you already know beside you throughout labor? Would your partner appreciate having another experienced support person? Would you like additional education and support while preparing for birth?
If you’re considering hiring a doula, meet with a few before deciding. Ask about their training and experience, what’s included in their services, availability around your due date, backup arrangements, how they support partners, postpartum services, and fees.
Most importantly, choose someone whose personality and approach make you feel comfortable, heard, and supported.
Evidence Based Birth:
Evidence on Doulas — Evidence Based Birth®
You are welcome here.
Hope of Motherhood
1855 Wells Rd, Suite 2, 2nd Floor
Orange Park, FL
