Who is Eligible for Doula Services?
Doulas are provided at no charge to any interested participant in Kane County and Will County.
In Kane County, interested patients must either be a current participant in the VNA Healthy Families program or be eligible to became a participant in the Healthy Families program in order to be eligible for the services of a VNA doula. Learn more about the Healthy Families Program here. To learn more about VNA doula services for Healthy Families participants, please call (630) 892-4355, ext 8254.
In Will County, all VNA patients who are currently receiving their pregnancy care at VNA are eligible for doula services. To learn more about VNA doula services for VNA patients in Will County, please call (630) 892-4355, ext 8522.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a woman trained to provide physical and emotional support during your pregnancy, while you are in labor, and after your baby is born. A doula understands the physical process of birth as well as the importance of your emotional state during that time.
Doulas provide or suggest physical comfort measures during labor and birth such as massage, breathing exercises and positioning. Doulas help families communicate with caregivers and help families feel comfortable as they experience pregnancy and labor.
According to the Chicago Doula Project, women working with a doula are less likely to have a Cesarean section or use medication during labor. They also have a lowered risk of postpartum depression and are more likely to breastfeed.
How Can a Doula Help Me?
Your doula will begin meeting with you in your home around your seventh month of pregnancy. She will discuss pregnancy as well as help you prepare for the birth of your baby. She will bring information and give you a chance to talk about your feelings and what kind of birth experience you would like.
- Your doula may attend a prenatal doctor’s visit with you if you would like.
- Your doula will come to the hospital with you when you go into labor and stay with you until the baby is born.
- Your doula will visit you for several weeks after the baby is born to get you off to a great start with parenting.
- VNA doulas teach prenatal classes to help moms meet other expectant families and learn more about pregnancy and birth.
Is a Doula a Medical Professional?
No, a doula is not a doctor and will not perform any medical procedures. A doula does not make decisions for you. Your doula will help you make informed decisions for yourself.
A doula does not take the place of the loving support of family or your partner; no one else could fill this special role. A doula can help the other people involved at the birth of your baby participate comfortably. Your doula can give your support team helpful ideas about what they can do to best support you at this time.