We Connect Families with South Dakota's Birth Community
“Doulas are an integral part of the safe and efficient care of our laboring patients.”
-Dr. Emily Abele, MD OBGYN, Brookings Health System, Brookings, SD
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What is a Doula?
Doulas work with families to help them experience care that is individualized, safe, healthy, and equitable.
A doula is a trained professional who:
- Provides evidence-based information
- Helps clients communicate with their care provider
- Provides comfort and emotional support
- Works side-by-side with and supports the partner
- Supports the client’s decisions
- Research shows doulas improve client outcomes
Birth doulas support clients before, during and after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
Postpartum doulas support clients during the fourth trimester and beyond.
Why a doula?
Research shows that people who use a doula are:
- 10% less likely to need Pitocin
- 39% less likely to have a cesarean birth
- Less likely to use any pain medication
- 31% more likely to rate their experience positively
- Less likely to have pre-term birth
- More likely to initiate breastfeeding
- Less likely for postpartum mental illness to occur
- 38% decrease in baby’s risk of a low 5 min APGAR
Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6. Accessed 19 December 2023.
South Dakota Medicaid Now Covers Doula Services
Thanks to months of hard work and collaboration between SD Doulas, health systems in the state, and the SD Department of Health & Human Services, Medicaid now provides coverage for doula services at births and during the postpartum period.
For Families
Thank You to Our Community Supporters
Fearless Women's Health Physiotherapy
Dr. Jackie Dooyema offers in-home concierge pelvic floor physical therapy in the Sioux Falls area.
Whether you’re currently pregnant, recently had a baby, or had a baby years ago, it’s the perfect time to pursue pelvic PT to improve pelvic floor and core strength and coordination.
Childbirth Support Specialists
Victoria Wakeman is a certified birth and postpartum doula trainer. She trains new doulas coming into the profession and seasoned professionals seeking to expand their education.
Victoria is one of only four approved CPI International Doula Trainers teaching the birth and postpartum doula course and labor support skills for nurses. She is currently studying to train birth professionals in childbirth bereavement support.