Doulas in the NY Times

It’s always great to see discussion of doulas in mainstream media.  The NY Times published this article about the growing popularity of doulas and efforts to integrate us more fully into the health care system.

My only qualm with it is that I hope people don’t think doulas are only for couples in which the father doesn’t want to be involved in the birth process, like the father profiled.  A huge part of our role is helping fathers and partners be the best support possible for the mother.  With most couples, I work hand in hand with the father or partner.

One dad described us as the sideline coach for him; another as the skydiving instructor reminding him when to pull the parachute cord.

To the extent the couple wants the husband/partner to be the primary support person, often the biggest part of our job is to help them do just that.

– Jocelyn, Ohana Founder & Doula

Posted in Doulas
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"I have no doubt that Jocelyn Alt made my natural childbirth possible."
"I credit my successful VBAC [Vaginal Birth After Cesarean] at age 39 mostly to the support of Autumn and Jocelyn."
"Having Autumn there with me was an immeasurable gift. She was a deep well of quiet strength, experience, and knowledge."
"Having Jocelyn & Autumn on the team boosted our decision-making and confidence. Their knowledge & experience stands out."
"They were incredible at 'reading the room' and being able to tell how much or how little attention I was needing at the moment."
"Working with Jocelyn and Autumn was a pleasure. They were attentive, compassionate and engaged from the first time we reached out to them, to even now, weeks after the birth."
"Jocelyn has magic hands! My pain just seemed to melt away with her massages."
"It was so great to have been able to meet and work with two doulas."
"The thing I appreciated the most about having Jocelyn at my birth was her natural ability to put me at ease."
"I really can’t rave enough about how Jocelyn helped me help my wife."