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Birth Doula

"I can do anything for one minute!"

What exactly does a Doula do?

Our birth doulas accompany women in labor in person and virtually to assist them in attaining their best birth experience. She is able to draw from her professional training, knowledge, and experience to provide emotional support and physical comfort, and facilitate communication with staff so that you can make informed decisions as they arise in labor.  They can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. Each of our doulas are independent and self-employed.

Your doula works for you, not your caregiver or birth facility.

A doula does NOT...

  • Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. We are there to provide only physical comfort and emotional support.

  • Make decisions for you. We will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. We will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.

  • Speak to the staff on your behalf. We will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.

  • Replace the spouse or partner. Doulas see families as an entire unit and serves them all!

***Please note - We will not attend a planned unassisted birth. ***

Doula services include:

  • 2 individualized prenatal visits where we talk about your desires, concerns and comforts for birth and labor​

  • On call support by phone and text from 37 weeks until you birth​

  • Birth plan for you, partner, and baby​

  • Labor support at home, if desired, and at your birth place​

  • Breastfeeding support in the immediate postpartum (right after birth)​

  • 1 postpartum visit to discuss your birth and any postpartum concerns or plans​

  • Breastfeeding consult (typically done at postpartum visit)

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What is the process of hiring a doula?

STEP 1 - EVERYONE DESERVES A DOULA!

Contact us and let us know what you need for your birth. We will connect you via email with doulas who are available for your baby’s due date. You will then interview the doulas over the phone.

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STEP 2 - LET’S MAKE IT OFFICIAL!

Once you have chosen your doula, let us know and we will send you the contract and invoice so we can get the party started! Your invoice will vary a little depending on the doula you chose and your payment method. You pay the retainer fee and your doula and backup doula will be officially reserved for you. For your insurance, we will provide you with the documentation needed. You can also use your HSA/FSA. If you are private pay, you can choose to pay via Square through our website, but you are welcome to pay through cash, check, Zelle, or other options like PayPal, CashApp, or Venmo if needed.

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STEP 3 - SCHEDULE YOUR PRENATAL APPOINTMENTS!

In between 30-32 weeks, your doula(s) will reach out to you to schedule your prenatal appointments with you! Now you are on track to having a great birth and a happy postpartum!

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PARISH DOULAS

Birth, Postpartum, & Education

337-591-5781

Serving Acadiana for over 20 Years!

©2025 by Parish Doulas

Web Design by Domingue Digital, LLC

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