Doulas in South Australia
A doula is someone who is educated to provide emotional and practical support for women and their families during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. They may provide this care in the hospital or the home. Medical research shows that the additional emotional, physical and practical support provided by doulas shortens the labour process, reduces caesarean section rates and has a positive effect on breastfeeding success. A recent research article in the leading journal, Birth (2008: 35, pages:92-7) concluded that ""Continuous labor support by a doula is a risk-free obstetric technique that could benefit all laboring women and should be made available in all maternity units". Doula support was found to reduce caesarean and epidural rates (13% compared with 25%; and 64% compared with 76%) for first-time middle-income mothers in the USA who were accompanied during their labour/birth by their male partner. For women with induced labor, just 12.5% with a doula had a cesarean, compared with 58.8% of those without a doula. Based on these findings, the study also suggested that fathers should not be expected to fulfill the role of primary labor companion.
The following doulas are currently providing services in South Australia:
- Paula BRUCKARD - Myrtle Bank Phone: Mobile 0411 983 723, Email paulabruckard@hotmail.com (Also does Calmbirth courses, plus pre-natal and mum + bub yoga).
- Natasha CHANT - Semaphore Phone: Mobile 0433 100 242, Email natasha@yourbirth.com.au
- Emily CLEMENTS-PORTEOUS "Helping Hands Doula Service" - Victor Harbor Email helpinghands@internode.on.net Phone: 08 8552 8271, Mobile 0419 867 997
- Jane HAWKINS - Gawler South Phone: 0406 430 919
- Jane IRELAND - Cowandilla Phone: 0402 473 712
- Helen HRISKIN "Belly Birth and Beyond" - Stepney (Also qualified Massage Practitioner Pre and Post Natal, and Fitness Leader/Instructor Pre and Post Natal) Email hriskins@adam.com.au Phone: 0412 225 532
- Melissa SERAFIN "Belly2Birth Doula Services" - Loxton and Riverland Email belly2birth@dodo.com.au, Phone: 043 841 3869
- Marcia STILLWELL "Peace of Mind Doula Services" - Stirling Phone: 08 8339 6760, Mobile 0415 746 920, Email marciastillwell@hotmail.com
- Jen WATKINS - AldgatePhone: 8339 7543, Mobile: 0402 082 169, Email jenwatkins@internode.on.net
- (Luci BUBNER - Henley Beach - not currently taking clients) Phone: Mobile 0417 877 708, Email doulaluci@optusnet.com.au
The following doulas are currently in training but may still be able to assist you with information.
- Kellie CLARK - Clapham Phone: 0407 112 799
- Kirsten FORRESTER - Barossa Phone: 0438 807 858
- Julia FRY - Dulwich (Burnside) Phone: 040 772 4628
- Danielle JOHNCOCK (Hackham) Phone: 0407 182 218.
- Emma KINGSFORD-SMITH - Adelaide (city) Phone: 0404 388 284
- Angela LAMBE - Morphett Vale Phone: 0434 571 517
- Katie-Lee PEARCE - Quorn (Flinders Ranges), PO Box 148 QUORTN SA 5433, Phone: 0429 783 009, Email nickkatie@bigpond.com
- Deane SCHMID - Mt Barker Phone: 08 8398 3434, Mobile: 0417 816 585
- Bronnie SIMPSON - Mitcham Phone: 0402 423 103
For further information on these and other doulas in South Australia or other states/territories visit Find A Doula