doula (doo • la) A woman
experienced in childbirth
who provides continuous
physical, emotional, and
informational support to
the mother before, during,
and after childbirth.
Providing professional labor support to women
and their families in Southern Minnesota
What is the Doula Connection?
The Doula Connection is a non-profit organization striving to make professional labor support available to all women regardless of age, culture, income or marital status.
The Doula Connection started with a small group of women who had a passion for birth. Following a doula training in the fall of 1999, these women set out to provide a new option for labor and delivery.
As a subsidiary of a non-profit organization called the Redwood Area Community Foundation, the Doula Connection can apply for and receive grant money to fund their services. In doing so, the doulas in the Doula Connection provide their services free of charge to anyone who wishes to have a doula-assisted birth.
Doulas in the Doula Connection have been professionally trained by DONA International approved instructor, Gail Tully, founder of Spinning Babies. DONA International is the world's premier doula organization, maintaining the highest standards of any certifying agency.
How does the Doula Connection work?
After you select a doula, you may contact them directly. Often, your doula meets with you at least once prior to delivery to discuss your birth preferences, offer information, and meet any other support people, if possible. In addition to the initial visit, some mothers like to have their doula present at an appointment with their health care professional. This meeting will not only allow your doula to personally meet your health care provider, but also ensures that everyone on your birth team has your best interests at heart. The Doula Connection provides four visits between the mother and the doula, which can be split up any way you like -- prenatally and postpartum. Indeed, it is entirely up to you when, where and how often you meet with your doula.
Our doulas always work with a back-up doula from the Doula Connection. If, for any reason, your doula would not be able to make it to your birth, another doula will assist you. Rest assured, this is not the norm, but we feel that it puts your mind at ease should unforeseen circumstances arise. Your doula will let you know if there is a possibility she would not be able to attend your birth. If you wish, you can also meet your back-up doula. Your doula will have her back-up doula's contact information available and will contact her directly, if she is needed.
Although we offer our services free of charge, we also welcome donations. All contributions go toward helping another expectant mother and her family receive the support of a doula. All donations made to the group are tax deductible.
If you need more information about the Doula Connection or doulas in general, feel free to send us an email, as we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.