Helping a women to trust her body and giving her the skills and the ability to have a natural birth is so rewarding for the mother, baby and the Doula. As each labor is different for every women some need more comfort, or supportive services and a Doula can be very valuable. A Doula also known as a labor assistant a term from the Greek language meaning" Mothering The Mother" or "Servant". A women in the labor room brings more positive energy and calmness to the environment.
Many times the labor staff in the hospital have specific policies and priorities to carry out with several laboring patients and can not provide one on one care for continuous labor support. Doula care can fill in the gaps, doula's know that emotional care is just as important as the medical care in labor and that the emotions in labor play a very important role in the process and outcome of labor
and birth. The doula can help transition mom from home to the hospital setting with more ease and comfort while reducing stress and anxiety that can interfere with labor. Doula's have a scope of practice that allows certain tasks to be performed such as emotional, educational support, encouragement and comfort skills throughout labor and birth.
A Special Touch community based doula program was established in January 2007 through a Blue & You Foundation Grant that provided access to services for all expectant mothers delivering at local hospitals in Crittenden, St. Francis, & Phillips counties in Arkansas. Grant funding ended in 2010, however, the program continues to meet the needs of families throughout Arkansas, Tennessee & Mississippi through a sliding scale fee and payment plans.
A Special Touch provides doula's trained and Certified through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) the largest professional organization for Childbirth Education and Certifications. Cappa's Mission states that CAPPA Certified professionals aim to empower, connect and advocate for families in the childbearing year. For more about CAPPA their website can be found here
www.cappa.net.
Meet our Doulas'
Hiring A Doula
The cost of a Doula varies depending on geographical area. Certified Doula's range from $400 to $1200 depending on services offered. A Special Touch provides Doula care if you qualify through a sliding scale fee.
Contact us for more information on how to qualify.
Did you know that flexible spending accounts through employment will reimburse for doula services?
Some insurance companies will reimburse find out if your does!!!
Payment plan arrangements can also be made.
A Special Touch services also provide staff development training for birth professionals and those wanting to become birth professionals through Cappa. Visit
certification opportunities
