A doula is a non-medical professional who helps the birth to be a pleasant and productive event.

What Does Doula Mean?

Doula is a Greek word meaning woman servant.

Is a Doula a Midwife?

No, a doula is not a midwife. Doulas do receive formal training to assist in shortening and easing the labor.

Why Should I Hire a Doula?

Studies show that a doula can work to make your labor shorter by several hours, reduce the need for medication, and reduce the chances of needing a c-section! A doula is typically trained to assist with breastfeeding after the birth if you wish to explore this route. The doula also works to ease the stress and anxiety for the husband (or significant other) during the birthing process.
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The word placenta was cointed in 1559 and stems from the Latin phrase meaning “circular cake”!

What is the Purpose of the Placenta?

The placenta is attached to your uterus and through the attached umbilical cord the placenta exchanges nutrients, wastes, oxygen and other gases with the baby. Whatever the mother ingests during pregnancy is passed through the placenta to the fetus.

By the third trimester the placenta looks like a disk, measuring about twenty cm in diameter and is about two to three inches thick!

What Happens to the Placenta?

The placenta is a temporary organ and you will deliver it after the baby is delivered. Your obgyn or midwife will examine the placenta to insure that all of it was delivered.