"A doula, what?" "What in the world is a doula?" "'Babymoon' what does that mean, and what does that have to do with doulas?" Those are some of the questions that are asked, and mighty good ones at that! The word "doula" is a Greek word that actually means "woman's servant." We prefer calling it "mothering the mother." We believe that mothering the mother will allow her time and energy to mother the baby, and in turn the baby will mother the world.

Babymoon is named for the days following a birth, the postpartum period, comparable to a honeymoon after a marriage. During the babymoon, one is getting to know the new baby (and vice versa), falling in love, healing from childbirth, and bonding. In the past and in different cultures around the world women have caring neighbors, tribes, doulas and caregivers to support them during this babymoon period. In some tribes in the country of Mali, the mother gives birth and doesn't get up for 45 days. Her family brings her nourishing meals and teas, and the new mother nurses the baby, rests, and heals. However nowadays, our time seems to be expended, families live farther away, and our dependency on others for support is diminishing.

Statistics show with the support of a birth doula there are less interventions during childbirth, less use of vacuum or forceps, and less chance of unplanned cesarean section. With the support of a postpartum doula, there is less child abuse, less postpartum depression, greater bonding, and successful breastfeeding.

Babymoon is a Doula Co-Op of doulas that care about birth and birthing families.  Each one of us desire to bring assistance and caring to our birthing community through support services, resources and friendship. We also strive to provide up to date information for the pregnant families to gather, to make informed decisions and use at their own discretion. Each doula is either certified, trained as a doula, or working on their doula certification.  Any other roles or certifications that each individual doula may possess is not reflective of Babymoon Doulas, the Co-Directors of Babymoon Doulas or DONA International.  Each Doula represented on the Babymoon Doulas website is working at their own capacity and are each responsible for their own actions, payments, liabilities.  Each doula controls their own business and Babymoon Doulas or the Co-Directors (Shawna Kemp or Grace Mueller) will not be held responsible for any actions of the doulas represented by the Babymoon Doulas Co-Op. 

At no time is the information that we provide to be considered medical advice.  Information and services contained herein are for informational purposes only.  Always consult with your professional Health Care Provider with any questions or advice.  The website and each individual doula does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  Babymoon Doula and the Co-Directors make no medical claims and make no statements of validation.  2009-06-26