Welcome HOM!
Care and Support
To ensure all families are informed of all options available. To teach what informed care looks like. To inform families what to expect before, during, and after labor. To provide resources to families that are in need regardless. To provide guidance and resources for accessing care. To supply each family with a list of classes needed to feel confident in the process of parenting.
Doulas
Doulas provide education, advocacy, and non-medical childbirth support. HOM Doulas offer ongoing in-person and virtual support to families during their fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journeys.
Classes
Informed education: You do have choices.
What is a Doula?
A Doula is an individual who provides you and your family non-medical support during your pregnancy, your labor and delivery, and your postpartum period. The Doulas primary role is to be present, knowledgeable, and aware of how your pregnancy and labor are progressing in order to offer you the best level of support. A professional Doula should be trained through a hospital recognized certifying organization such as Doulas of North America (DONA). Some Doulas will complete the certifying process and some will not. If certification is important to you, please confirm this information with your chosen Doula. Doulas completing the certification process must receive training in HIPPA, proper PPE, and 1st Aid and CPR just to name a few.
In general, Doula services often include check-ins during pregnancy to gauge your progress, needs, understanding, and expectations for labor. After delivery, a Doula will follow up with you during the 4th trimester to confirm your condition and recovery.
At HOM, Doulas offer you extensive care and support services from pregnancy to your baby’s birth to your return home. As a client, you receive support from your chosen HOM Doula as early in your pregnancy as you would like. Over the course of your pregnancy, you and your family will meet with your Doula, discuss and create your birth plan, identify your hospital needs, and discuss doctor visits, test results, and more. As your due date draws closer, your HOM Doula will meet with you and your birthing partner(s) to practice various laboring and birthing positions and techniques. When you go into labor and call your HOM Doula, they will determine how far into laboring you are based on the frequency of contractions, and whether they will meet you at home, the birthing center, or the hospital. Whenever possible, your HOM Doula will meet you at home to provide support until it is time to relocate or travel to deliver your baby.
While Doulas work to ensure that your birth story will be what you want, there are some important things to understand about what Doulas do not do.
- A Doula is not a midwife. A Doula is not a nurse. A Doula is not a medical doctor. Doulas are trained and certified in birth work, but they are not medical professionals. They do not serve as nurses or backup to the medical experts.
- Doulas do not provide medical advice or diagnoses. Therefore, any medical advice you get should come from your medical team, and then you should discuss that information with your Doula to ensure you have a clear understanding of the implications and are well-informed of your options. It is important you discuss any medical information you know and discover with your Doula so that they may provide you with the best support.
- Doulas cannot “catch” your baby. Doulas are not medical professionals, they legally cannot deliver your baby. Their role is to offer you, the birthing client, non-medical support as you need it.
- Doulas are not your birthing partner. If you have identified someone or some people to be present with you during your pregnancy and birthing journey, your Doula will defer to you and them to ensure you have the laboring experience you planned and need. The Doula is not there to replace your partner, whether that is a spouse, partner, relative, or friend.
- Doulas do not make decisions on your behalf. Any decisions regarding your labor and birthing experience are yours and your family’s. Your Doula may give you information so that you are able to make an informed decision that is best for you, your Little, you’re your family. Whatever decision you make, your Doula will be there to provide support to and for you.
