How do you define a Doula?

A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. A knowledgeable pregnancy BFF, someone who won’t judge your decisions but will provide you support and information, so the pregnant person can make the best and most informed decision for them and their family.

 

What are the benefits of considering a doula during pregnancy?

The benefits vary from person to person and the various situations.  Many would hire a doula for labor support, to be present to help them manage the experiences and emotions present during the different stages of birth and the beginning of the postpartum period.  Others need more support during the postpartum period- a postpartum doula will provide evidence-based information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother-baby bonding, infant soothing and basic newborn care. There are doulas for every situation- additional help for the partner adoption, abortion, miscarriage, cesarean, natural birth, hospital birth, birth with epidural, birth center birth……..any birth. Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of Pitocin (a form of intervention) by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%. Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor.

If you have a doctor ,is it still ok to hire a doula or can you decide to consult a doula in the first place?

A doula will never take the place of a medical professional but is rather a synergistic piece to the pregnant persons birth support team. The doula is there to support from the waist up, and the doctor from the waist down. A doula will provide information to make the pregnant person more aware of the process and what to expect and encourage them to have conversations with their doctor so they can feel prepared and informed.

Have you ever accounted people that still believe in some myths that they will get better care from a medical doctor and how have you educated them on the subject?

It is not in the scope of practice for a doula to give medical advice or care to a client unless they hold medical licenses and practice only within their scope of practice.

What is the average cost of having a doula being part a care plan and does insurance cover the services?

Cost varies from $300 to thousands of dollars depending on what type of support and services they are looking for. Many doulas have additional skills, certifications, and licensures such as placenta encapsulation, massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, belly binding, yoga and much more. Yes, certain insurances do reimburse for doula services expenses.

Can you share three things during the birth process that can ease the labor pain (physically and emotionally)?

In general, the 3 R’s are relaxation, rhythm and ritual is a win for many- which would look like swaying, moaning, breathing, rocking, etc. Birth and labor are unique for each person- what may be helpful for one person may not be the case for another. Things like massage/touch and aromatherapy are helpful as well.  Check out more details about birth process and pain relief techniques at www.VanessaMiot.com/extras.

Is there one amazing feeling about being part of these bundles of joy birthday that you want to share with us?

There is such an amazing feeling to see not only a baby born but to see a mother born as well. Every time I have the honor to be present at a birth to support an expectant mother and their family a wave of emotions come over me.

There is a story that comes to mind-

——-

One day I asked this burning question to a doula, who I knew.

“Hey Doula,” I wondered, “can you tell me what it is that you actually do?”

She smiled and answered quickly in a voice lyrical and unrestrained, and I felt privileged in that moment to have a miracle explained.

“A woman leaves her body, ” she said

“In the midst of childbirth…and journeys to the stars somewhere high above the Earth.”

“There she finds the soul of her baby…she cradles it carefully…then the two souls joined together, float softly…back to me.”

“I have two jobs,” she smiled from the bedside where I stand.”

“I help the mothers learn to fly and catch souls when they land.”

-Author Unknown.

Call to action: Below are different ways to connect with Vanessa Miot

Volunteer doula for Circle of Mama’s that support pregnant high school girls

Teach teen pregnancy prevention through PlanBe_ in middle and high schools in Miami-Dade County

Board Member and Coordinator of the Sister Circle Mentor Program for Girl Power in Overtown, Miami

I’m currently working on a project that will educate girls about menstruation and the beauty of their cycles.

W | www.VanessaMiot.com | Instagram @v.miot and @blossomingsage

Below is a picture of Mrs. Miot speaking to the Women Empowerment Circle of Miami at Lotus House Women’s shelter in Overtown where she previously worked as the Program Coordinator. She created an informative and positive environment that taught women and children life skills, creative expression, community involvement, and empowerment. Providing information to develop and implement a diverse range of holistic, educational and healing programs for women and children.