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Gracewinds Doulas
Doula - n. A woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth. (click to hear word)
Labor Doulas
Gracewinds is the source for labor Doulas. Our staff of Doulas are certified and receive additional training to insure a consistent philosophy and standard of practice. Additionally, the variety of Doulas at Gracewinds allows clients to find a perfect match with their individual needs.
Gracewinds mission is to support the mother and her family throughout pregnancy and labor. Our Labor Doulas exemplify this belief by providing the mother and partner with the emotional, physical and informational support to enhance her birth.
Utilizing the extensive network of providers at Gracewinds, our Doulas can assist their clients with ease. The R.N. Lactation consultants, Massage Therapists, Chiropractor, Perinatal Counselor and various teachers are ready to offer their skills and advise when needed. Simply ask your Gracewinds Doula!
The Advantages of Gracewinds Doulas:
- Ease of Selection: with a free interview appointment and a large staff, we simplify the hiring process.
- Strong referral network: Our Doulas have access to a wide ranging professional staff at Gracewinds.
- Automatic “back up Doula”: No need to look for reinforcement. Gracewinds provides back-up staff to insure coverage for your labor.
- Cross trained Doulas: To provide a more holistic approach, our Doulas train in other modalities such as massage, aromatherapy, yoga positioning, and CPR.
Please see our Staff Bios for more information on individual doulas.
Contact Gracewinds at (206) 781-9871 to schedule an appointment.
Doula FAQs
Question: What is a Doula?
Answer: A Doula is a professional support person for labor/ birth or for support postpartum in this instance. Doulas recieve speical training at certified schools or have comparable or exceeding experience in the field of childbirth and/or newborn care. Many Doulas have gone through childbirth themselves, some have not had children. A Doula's responsibility is to provide emotional. physical and informational support to the mother and the partner if applicable. Labor Doula support is crucially important to a mother who is negotiating labor on her own. Studies prove that mothers and couples who incorporated Doulas in their births experienced shorter labors and reduced interventions.
Question: What are the duties of a Doula?
Answer: Doulas provide a variety of services throughout labor; with the primary focus on comforting and supporting the laboring mother. Each birth experience is unique and every mother and partner has individual needs, so the duties of the Doula can change for each client. Most duties entail advise on positioning and techniques to support and encourage the labor process, assistance with physical needs, massage, and informational "back-up", as well as providing diplomatic advocacy for the laboring mother and partner with medical personnel.
Question: What duties can't doulas perform?
Answer: A Doula is not hired as a doctor or a mid-wife and therefor cannot offer medical advise, nor deliver a baby. The Doulas at Gracewinds believe that the mother benefits from a smooth and professional relationship between the Doula abs the care providers. We make every attempt to fulfill the wishes of a client's birth plan, however we recognize and respect the authority of the care provider, and will not enter into an adversarial situation with medical staff. (A Doula can ask medical staff for clarification or specific reasons on the client's behalf if requested to do so.)
Question: How do we hire a Doula?
Answer: Most Doulas offer free or low cost "Meet n' Greet" appointments. It is advisable to interview several candidates to find a qualified individual with a personality and philosophy that meets your needs. It is a good idea to begin this process early in the second trimester, as popular Doulas tend to get reserved far in advance... the sooner you begin the process, the more likely you are to find a good match! Good interview questions consist of asking the candidate for background on their training and experience, inquiring about their personal philosophy of the role as a Doula, and requiring several references from former clients and providers. Once you hire a Doula, you will typically be required to pay a non-refundable deposit, to hold the time surrounding your estimated due date. Gracewinds requests that a client submit a post-dated check at the prenatal appointment made out for the due-date, to be held until the bith occurs. (If the Doula does not attend,ie... a planned C-section or pre-term labor, the check is returned to the client.)
Question: How much Does a Doula cost?
Answer: The amount can vary substantially, according to the person. Experience and range of "extra services" offerred. In the Puget Sound area the range can be anywhere from $400 to $1,500 or more for the services of a Doula.
Doula Certification Programs
Become a C.A.P.P.A. certified Labor Doula
For more information on how you can start on a rewarding career as a professional labor Doula, contact Gracewinds Perinatal Services. This four day seminar includes topics such as: coping skills; massage techniques for labor; sound Doula ergonomics; Promoting Partner Involvement; medical interventions; interpersonal skills; and tips to market your business.
Registration: For more information, call (206) 781-9871 or email us at gracewinds@comcast.net.
Instructor: Christine Wallace, CMA, LMP, CCCE, CLD
Cost: $580.00
Training Dates: September 9-12, 2008
Become a C.A.P.P.A. certified Postpartum Doula
This three day training covers the basics of postpartum care , including business start up. This fun and interactive workshop will introduce the role of the postpartum Doula. A valuable course for students just beginning their career as well as those seeking to enrich their existing Doula practice.
Registration: For more information, call (206) 781-9871 or email us at gracewinds@comcast.net.
Instructor: Kimberley Bepler, ICPE, PCD, CPD
Cost: $350.00
Training Dates: March 26-28th, 2007
Doula Information Sessions
If you are considering including a Doula in your birth, or would like to learn more about the practice of Doulas, we invite you to join us for one of the monthly "Doula Information Evenings" held at Gracewinds Perinatal Services.
We cover the facts about what to expect from a Doula, how to find and interview a Doula and the cost range associated with Doulas. Local birth and postpartum Doulas attend these events. Come with your questions to ask the Doulas and enjoy a comfortable atmosphere with other parents-to-be as they explore the options available. This is a free event.
Gracewinds Perinatal Services, Inc. is an organization that provides high quality, birth related services to women and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. From yoga, education, acupuncture, massage, Doulas, counseling and lactation support- to our Peapod Book & Birth store and on-site photography studio… we have a community of support under one roof!
Register: Call (206)781-9871 for information or to register.
Schedule: Gracewinds will host Doula information evenings at 7 PM on the following Wednesdays. All meetings are held in the Gracewinds Library, 1415 NW 70th Street (The Peapod Store entrance).
2008 Dates: 1/30, 2/27, 3/26, 4/30, 5/28, 6/25, 7/30, 8/27, 9/24, 10/29, 12/3.
