Doula Support

Every new mother needs one special person for support through the birth process.

One type of support you might consider is a doula. A doula is a nonmedical childbirth expert offering support, encouragement and information during labor and delivery. A doula "mothers the mother" and gives you emotional support as you labor.

Your doula ensures you have someone looking out for you during the entire process. She will not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring, or give medical advice or make medical decisions for you. 

She will, however, provide emotional and informational support to both you and your partner, so your family can more fully enjoy the birth experience together.

Whatever dreams you have for your labor, remember to be flexible. The unexpected could arise and plans might have to change, so that you and your baby are safe and healthy. If such a change of plans is necessary, it's important to remember it in no way means that you have failed. 

Your doula is there to help you no matter what the final outcome of your birth experience may be.

The History of Doulas

Throughout history, women have always provided support and help to other women during childbirth. Anthropological data as well as historical artwork shows that women were rarely left alone during labor and delivery. In fact, a woman preparing to give birth was almost always surrounded by at least two other women. One, a nurse midwife, assisted with the baby’s birth, while the other provided continuous comfort and reassurance to the birth mother.

Today, this age-old practice of bringing comfort and reassurance to the birth mother, in effect “mothering the mother,” has re-emerged in the form of the modern “doula.”

Research

Research gathered by DONA, Doulas of North America, a national organization that certifies, promotes and supports doulas, shows that when a doula is introduced into the labor room, the bond between mother and infant is enhanced as well as the mother’s self-esteem.

If you do not have a partner, or someone else to take the place of a partner, you may also benefit from the support of a doula during childbirth. A doula offers valuable and necessary support and encouragement through childbirth.

Certified Doulas

These doulas are certified to practice at Woman’s Hospital.

Hailey Aliff 

joywithinbirth@gmail.com

985-778-8818

Sarah “Ariel” Barlow

ariel@artofbirthdoula.com

225-395-8578

Hannah Covington

hannah@birthcenterbr.com

225-276-4166

Sherri Daigle

sherri.daigle@southlouisiana.edu

337-521-9009

Rachael Giamanco

giabellabirths@gmail.com

225-284-9369

Rene Johnson

doula@birthhelp.com

225-768-7686

Katie Lamb

lambdoula@gmail.com

225-953-4260


Meghan Matt

meghanmatt@gmail.com

225-330-9095

Megan Nolan Parker

contact@batonrougebirthservices.com

225-366-8613

Chasity Robinson

blossominglotusbirth@gmail.com

Ashley Suitt
redstickbirth@gmail.com
Courtney Troxclair

courtney@birthhelp.com

504-756-3897

Jennifer Wakefield

jen@mydoulaheart.com

480-221-5868

Amy Willson

hello@louisianababycompany.com

225-364-9180

Gwen Franklin

coachingmiracles@yahoo.com

225-892-0842

Cyd Lapour

bayourosephoto@gmail.com

504-656-6230

Nanette McCann

www.acaringseasondoula.com

337-356-2516

Bailey Reihm, Birth Reform Doula Services

baileyreihm@birth-reform.com

225-993-1405

Claire Ross, BEST Certified Doula

birthwisebr@gmail.com

225-955-4609

Ashton Reed, Birth Help, LLC

www.birthhelp.com

225-768-7686

Karelle Pearcy, Birth & Postpartum Doula Services

karelle.noladoula@gmail.com

www.nolanesting.com/karelle

318-730-0920

LaVonne Thibeaux

lavonneprice@gmail.com

337-251-5150

Frankie Robertson

frankie@theamandlagroup.com

225-247-7834

Ashaki Tobias, BA, CBS

www.maternallovebr.com

225-289-3665

Bridget Robicheaux

bridgetrobicheaux@gmail.com

www.nolanesting.com/bridget-robicheaux-doula

504-453-2607