Doula
Brookings Health System’s doula program helps expectant parents who deliver at New Beginnings Birth Center have healthier, easier births.
Services a Doula Offers
Doulas are professional labor support companions. They are part of the maternal health care team but do not provide medical treatment. They help parents navigate the stress, challenges and unexperienced situations of childbirth. Doulas assist mothers and their partners with emotional and physical needs. Doulas also help laboring parents with information support, guiding them through decision making by helping mothers and their partners consider the benefits, alternatives and risks.
Doulas at Brookings Health System must complete either a Childbirth Professionals International or Doulas of North America (DONA) training course or its equivalent. Doulas are trained in comfort massage, pressure point relief, positioning and birthing balls. They also use music, aromatherapy, relaxation and visualization. Their goal is to make the birth experience as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Watch & Learn
Jaclyn Roach shares her pregnancy experience with an optional doula as part of her Brookings Health obstetrics team. Ana and Salvador Ruiz share their peaceful birthing experience with support from the Brookings Health System team from beginning to end. Brookings Health System doula coordinator Victoria Wakeman explains the program available to moms in our community have the birth plan they want. Brookings mom Kristina Lankow shares how a doula supported both herself and her husband during the birth of their son.
Benefits of Doula Care
- Improves birth outcome
- Reduces fear and anxiety
- Reduces the need for medication during labor
- Reduces the need for medical interventions during labor
- Reduces Cesarean births
- Increases breastfeeding proficiency
- Increases women's feelings of empowerment and satisfaction
- Decreases birth trauma
Doula Package
Our doula package costs a $350 flat fee and includes:
- 1 to 2 planned texts or phone calls with the doula to plan labor and delivery support
- Continuous labor support during childbirth
- Post-partum assistance 1 to 2 hours after delivery
Other services can be arranged for privately between the parents and their doula.
Choose a Doula
Expectant parents interested in selecting a doula can attend a monthly “Ask a Doula” session at Brookings Health System. There parents can get to know doulas on a personal level and learn more about the services the doulas offer. They may select a doula during the "Ask a Doula" session or they may email their selection to obstetrics@brookingshealth.org.
