FULL SPECTRUM DOULA CARE
Georgia Manges
she/her
full spectrum doula
What is a doula?
A doula is a non-clinical support person, who provides physical, emotional, and resources/informational care through a significant (health-related) life experience. From conception, to pregnancy, to birth, to miscarriage, to postpartum, doulas can support you through it all.
Doula is an Ancient Greek word. Traditionally, it refers to a woman who provides support to a birthing woman during and after labor. Today, we use the term more broadly. Some people also prefer to identify as birth workers, in lieu of using outdated or historically gendered language.
Other types of doulas exist, including antenatal, end-of-life, death, abortion, and gender doulas.
“Assisting someone in the use of their own body, for exactly the purposes they need or want, and in exactly the ways they need or want– that is a doula’s mandate.”
— Hannah Matthews, You or Someone You Love
why have a doula?
Research shows us that doulas contribute to:
a decrease in reported negative birth experiences
a reduced likelihood of cesarean birth
a decrease in pain medication use
a reduced overall labor time
an increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
Black Perinatal and Infant Mortality Disparities
We know that Black birthing people are subject to greater rates (roughly three times higher) of mortality, compared to their white, non-BIPOC, counterparts. This is a result of centuries of racism, oppression, bias, and weathering of the black body. As a doula, I am committed to ongoing learning, cultural humility, and addressing my own racism and biases as I move forward as a white accomplice. I am not liberated until we are all liberated.
As your doula, I will NOT…
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As your doula, I can assist you by providing physical presence and hands on support, but I will never perform any clinical checks on you. That is not within my scope of care and I want to stick to what I know in order to safely support you!
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Each pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience is beautifully unique. I trust that you are the expert of your body and that you will make choices that are best for you and your family. I am happy to provide information and discuss options, but when it comes to giving advice, I will defer to your intuition and your provider’s insight.
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Sometimes it can be helpful to receive input from others in the birth world, but ultimately, you are the only one who can know what is best for you. I will stand beside you and support you in your choices!
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I understand that everyone needs care that is tailored to them. What I might choose for myself may not be what is best for you! My priority is to enter your birth experience with an inclusive and judgement free lens. However your birth unfolds is just right for you.
my community commitment
I am committed to and excited about serving, within the boundaries of mutual respect and consent, all pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people. As a core element of my mission and priorities, all genders, sexual orientation, family structures, races, ethnicities, abilities, and cultures will be held, affirmed, and cared for. This is a safe space for us.
Additionally, my work as a doula is possible because of the women, doulas, birth workers, and community members who came before me. When incorporating cultural practices into my work (e.g. Rebozo, belly binding, self care), I will honor and respect the communities where these practices originated.
