Jennifer Tolman CD(DONA) 

 "It is my goal that you go into the birth of your child with the tools necessary to make decisions that are right for you and your family. I want you to have the best possible labor and delivery and will support you in whatever decisions you have made before, during and after delivery. "

(Jennifer & Baby N.)

What is a Doula? 

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

 (DONA website)

How will a

Doula help?

She will...

• Recognize birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assist the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stay with the woman throughout the labor
• Provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
• Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceive her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
• Allow the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

(DONA website)

What do the statistics say?

Statistics have shown that Doulas make a positive difference in birth outcomes, which include:

• 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

   Statistical information was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can HelpYou Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993). 

My Doula Service areas include, but are not limited to: Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Lawton, Chickasha, and Duncan.