Sponsor Spotlight...Mamatoto Doula

This Sponsor Spotlight is particularly special to me. I have known Elyse (the woman behind mamatotodoula.com) since she was in her mama’s belly. I am fortunate to know her, although I wish we had a little more face to face time! Elyse is passionate about health, positive parenting and her career…Doula Support. Enjoy this little sneak peak into her passions!

Me: What is a Doula and why are they so important?

Elyse: A doula is an ancient Greek term for “Woman who serves”. Today “Birth Doula” refers to a trained birth attendant. We are also called childbirth assistant and labor support professionals. Birth doulas support moms and dads during pregnancy, birth, and just after birth. We provide emotional and physical support as well as informational support about birth and how to make it as rewarding as possible for the couple. Postpartum Doulas specialize in the postpartum period, and help families adjust to their precious new additions!

Doulas are so important because we fill a great need in the lives of childbearing families. Women have always been surrounded by other women during pregnancy and birth, but in our modern society this tradition has gotten lost. Many women go into birth without knowing what to expect, what procedures are common and how to avoid them, and how to handle the intensity of birth. Likewise, in the postpartum period, many new moms are left alone to recover and learn how to take care of their new baby on their own! Doulas fill this gap and help women to become more informed and empowered – thereby increasing their satisfaction with their birth and postpartum experiences!

Some statistics on doulas:

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
- tends to result in short labors with fewer complications
- reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
- reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
- reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals\

Research shows parents who receive support from postpartum doulas:
- feel more secure and cared for
- are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- have greater success with breastfeeding
- have greater self-confidence
- have less postpartum depression
- have lower incidence of abuse

Me: Why did you decide to become a Doula?

Elyse: I am very passionate about educating and helping people. It was while I was in college to earn a Bachelors in Human Services that I came across the doula profession. As I began to research it more, I knew this was my calling! I also had a less than perfect birth experience with my daughter due to my lack of knowledge about birth at the time. I want to help all moms have the experience they desire through education, advocacy, and support!!

Me: What is your favorite thing about your work?

Elyse: Do I have to pick just one?! Seeing mommies and daddies meet their baby for the first time (it always brings tears to my eyes!), helping them to have an empowered birth THEIR WAY, hearing them tell me how thankful they are for my support, seeing them able to breastfeed. It really is such an amazing honor to be at each and every birth!

Me: I notice that on your website you have a list of books in your Lending Library. Is there a book you would recommend to women considering using a Doula?

Elyse: A great book to learn more about doulas specifically is “The Doula Book” by Klaus, Klaus, & Kennell. Some other general pregnancy books I recommend are “The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth” by Henci Goer, “Pregnancy, CHildbirth, & the Newborn” by Penny Simkin et al., and “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” by La Leche League.

Me: On your blog http://mamatotodoulablog.blogspot.com/ and on your facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mamatotodoula you share a lot of information. What can readers expect to find there in the future?

Elyse: More and more information about birth, the postpartum time, nutrition, and babies! I like to focus on practical things moms can do to make their pregnancies and births easier, as well as provide scientifically based information so they can make their own informed decisions. The information I share is really intended to be a catalyst for women to do their own research and find out more about their choices and what is best for them.

Me: What should women look for in Doula? How do you find just the right one?

Elyse: The most important thing in choosing a doula is making sure you “click”! Personality, philosophy on birth, and personal preferences are areas to explore with potential doulas. One doula may have 25 years of experience, but may not feel like the right personality for you; a newer doula may not have that much experience, but your personalities and philosophies fit perfectly. It’s all about having someone you feel comfortable with, because that’s what you are going to want when you are in labor! Education is also important – you can ask about their training, certification status, and what kind of continuing education they have done. It is also great to ask questions like “How would you support me while in labor”, so you can get an idea of what they are knowledgable about and comfortable with. Then, go with your gut!

Me: Before you go, will you tell us a little bit about your little sweetie? (You know we are all suckers for an adorable 4 year old!)

Elyse: My little lady is something else!!! She is SO smart, silly, creative, & feisty! She is definitely strong willed and knows what she wants! She loves to paint, dance, go to her ballet class, read books, and play crazy eights! She has a flair for the dramatic and loves storytelling. She has taught me so much about myself, children, motherhood, and life. I love my baby girl and am so thankful for her every day!