Our Services
Doulas of SCV includes Birth Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Childbirth Educators, Lactation Educators, as well as Affiliate Members that provide additional services to pregnant, birthing, and postpartum families, as well as newborns.
We have our members listed under the Find a Professional tab so you can find what you need.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out doulasofscv@gmail.com
Birth/Labor Doulas
What Does a Labor Doula Do?
Typically, doulas meet with the parents in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy to get acquainted and to learn about prior birth experiences and the history of this pregnancy. She may help you develop a birth plan, teach relaxation, visualization, and breathing skills useful for labor. Most importantly, the doula will provide comfort, support, and information about birth options.
Please note that doulas are NOT medical or clinical providers and will not be able to check dialation, heart tones, blood pressure, etc.
A doula can help the woman to determine prelabor from true labor and early labor from active labor. At a point determined by the woman in labor, the doula will come to her and assist her by:
Helping her to rest and relax
Providing support for the woman's partner
Encouraging nutrition and fluids in early labor
Assisting her in using a variety of helpful positions and comfort measures
Constantly focus on the comfort of both the woman and her partner
Helping the environment to be one in which the woman feels secure and confident
Providing her with information on birth options
A doula works cooperatively with the health care team. In the event of a complication, a doula can be a great help in understanding what is happening and what options the family may have. The doula may also help with the initial breastfeeding and in preserving the privacy of the new family during the first hour after birth.
Postpartum Doulas
What does a Postpartum Doula do?
The main objective of the Postpartum Doula’s role is not to take over complete care of the newborn, but to educate and support the family so that they will feel empowered to care for their newborn themselves. Postpartum Doulas do NOT offer any medical advice or perform any medical or clinical procedures, but instead can offer parents referrals to appropriate studies and published books. Postpartum doulas should be good with children, patient, non-judgmental, and knowledgeable about newborn care and breastfeeding.
Postpartum doulas are not nannies, maids, nor housekeepers.
The postpartum doula may offer the following:
Physical support
Emotional Support
Spiritual Support
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding support and tips
Baby care instruction
Household assistance
Sibling assistance/education
Meal preparation
Errand running
Educators
Taking a childbirth education class will help you and your partner better understand the process of childbirth, educate you on your options, and will facilitate empowerment through education so you will have the ability to make informed decisions. Participating in a group class will provide an opportunity for you to connect with others going through their pregnancy and birth at the same time as you. That connection is likely to form a support network, which is vital to expecting and new families.
Taking a prenatal breastfeeding class will help you and your partner better understand the process of lactation, including how the breast makes milk, how to ensure good milk supply, latch and positioning, solutions to common challenges, pumping and bottlefeeding to support the breastfeeding relationship.
Affiliates
Doulas of SCV also includes a wide array of Affiliate Members that will help meet the needs of all birthing and postpartum persons. Our affiliates are accomplished professionals that serve families in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond. From midwives to pediatricians, lactation consultants to occupational therapists, PMAD therapists to chiropractors, and more…we have you covered!