Dauphin County Doulas, LLC

04/25/2026

We were talking about this very subject during our Central PA Maternal Health Coalition .

The system needs to do better with women healthcare!

04/19/2026

Listen to the evidence 💜

A 2025 study published in AJOG adds powerful, up-to-date data showing associations between doula care and improved maternal and newborn outcomes.

Key Maternal Outcomes:

More vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC): For every 100 patients who received doula care, there were 15 to 34 additional VBACs compared with those without doula care.

Higher postpartum follow-up attendance: 5 to 6 more per 100 received postpartum office visits.

Key Neonatal / Infant Outcomes

Increased exclusive breastfeeding rates: Babies whose families had doula support were more likely to breastfeed exclusively.

Fewer preterm births (and early preterm births): Doula-supported births showed a reduction in preterm birth rates.

In short, the study links doula care with improvements in birth outcomes — across birth mode (more VBACs), infant health (less prematurity), and early infant care (breastfeeding, postpartum follow-up).

Read more: https://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2025/11/evidence-for-doulas-new-ajog-study-finds-doulas-improve-outcomes/

04/12/2026

We support Cesareans!

We even have a FREE Cesarean class for our clients who have scheduled Cesareans.

Currently, UPMC hospitals are the only hospitals we serve that allow doulas in their ORs to support our clients.

04/11/2026

Autonomy in birth is so important to protect.
Private doulas #1 interest is the client...
Hospital doulas #1 interest is keeping their job.

Another way to attract people to a hospital to birth.

We've been saying this all along!
We've been asked time & time again!

This support is great for those who can't afford or on Medicaid (because there are very few doulas anywhere who take PA Medicaid)

Ok so many things to say

1. Care with a doula happens BEFORE birth. They have no care or trust established.

2. You can’t work FOR the system and believe you can change the system. You think they’re going to sacrifice their check when their boss is the one causing harm

3. I’m just curious of the processing… these folks really believe we’re glorified water bringers…

Just running errands for the family lol

it’s zero respect for the art and science of doula work.

The issues are systemic.

03/26/2026

Wishing our doulas...
HAPPY WORLD DOULAS WEEK!!!
(Have you hugged your doula lately???)

03/26/2026

Delayed cord clamping... what you want vs what a provider will do could be very different

We recommend giving a specific time (ie: 5 minutes)...or until cord stops pulsing and turns white.

We do this for our clients on their birth plan.

As long as your baby is doing well, there's no reason your baby can't have delayed cord clamping (longer than 30-60 seconds) if your want it...for vaginal birth.

For Cesarean, you can advocate for up to 1 (possibly 2) minutes. The longer you are open during surgery, the higher risk of infection, so moving the surgery along is in your best health interest.

03/25/2026

YES!
Eat AT LEAST 80 grams of protein!
We talk about the importance of this all the time with our clients.
Here's why...

03/22/2026

You know the average length of induction is 3 days?
This is why we want to know as much as you're willing to tell us as your doula.
We WANT you to eat prior to your induction (good protein is ideal)!
Let's talk about your options (more than likely it's not just Pitocin)!
Do you even need the induction?

Reach out for a free consultation today!

03/09/2026

We've seen great results with Nitrous Oxide.
Only available at UPMC Hospitals in this area currently.

Tell us your thoughts on the gas.

03/05/2026

Not only do you have the right to know what station your baby's head is at, you also have the right to refuse to push until you're baby's head is lower!

Lower head = less active pushing time

If no movement with maternal effort, let's try to figure out why.
Is it baby position?
Is it that baby needs more room?

Doulas can analyze these things and assist with movement to help baby through your pelvis!