What is a doula anyway? 

 The word “Doula” comes from the Greek word, meaning “a woman who serves”.  Modern day Doula’s most common role is to support women and families in welcoming new life into the world. This is done through practicing various coping techniques, gaining confidence and understanding of the ability to birth, encouraging/empowering support, and informing the family with the information they need to make their own informed decisions about the birth of their child (and all that it involves). A Doula will support a family in whatever place you plan to birth (hospital, birth center, or home). There are Doulas that support families before, during, and a brief period after the birth of a child; these Doulas are called Labor Support Doulas. Then there are Postpartum Doula’s that support the family for the first following weeks after birth to help the family in transition. (Defined by Madelyn Long - thank you - Doula in training).
​Add-on: There are also bereavement doulas that work with families during miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss.
We are adding in post-abortive healing soon in a Biblical manner which will be an added addition to the bereavement classes in spring 2020.  You can sign up for bereavement only/Post-abortive only or both - if doing post-abortive only you will be called "Certified PA Sorrowful doula". 

​Mission Statement: Catholic Doula Program is here to offer a spiritual, prayerful, and evidence based doula training in 3 areas: birth, postpartum and bereavement. Plus, we provide extra curricula continuing education courses such as our BLOOM Training, Herbal course, and more! Nutritional Doula course is with our Holistic Birth Network "sister" website. 
We hope you will enjoy reading through our website and email us if you have any questions! 
Want a workshop? Email us - we have goals of offering 2 workshops a year in various locations! 
Catholic Doula Conference Coming soon as well - date/location to be announced - hoping to combine with a training workshop.
​

Benefits of Doulas

Why a doula?
The researchers found that overall, people who have continuous support during childbirth experience a:
  • 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
  • 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
  • 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
  • Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
  • 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
  • 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula. (Info from Evidence Based Birth). 
Picture
Rebozo you learn in our fast-track classes (and self-pace)

Looking for a doula? How about long distance support - how does virtual doula work? 

If you are wanting a doula but you are not near a Catholic doula - I offer virtual doula services - this means you can have a doula via Skype, Raidcall, text, cell phone during your birth and pre-birth support as a package deal. I  also have postpartum virtual support packages. I am low cost compared to a regular in person doula. 
If you would like more information please go to http://avemariadoula.weebly.com to check out exactly what I offer - book me early as my calendar does get full - I only take up to two clients a month right now - so please schedule your booking with me! 
Find a Catholic Doula is also our doula finder website! http://findacatholicdoula.weebly.com
Let us know if you are looking in particular location.

Mission statement & Meet Our Team

Mission Statement of Catholic Doula is to offer a spiritual, prayerful, and evidence based doula training in 3 areas: birth, postpartum and bereavement. Plus, we provide extra curricula continuing education courses such as our BLOOM Training, Herbal course, and more! Nutritional Doula course is with our Holistic Birth Network "sister" website. 
We hope you will enjoy reading through our website and email us if you have any questions! 

Juliana ​Larsen 

Office Manager/Owner of Catholic Doula Program, Birth Arts International trained, 
Certified Hypno-Doula, Certified Madriella Network Doula, Chantal-Lockey Bereavement certified Doula, Intuitive  Childbirth Postpartum Doula

 

To be announced looking for new team members!! 

Alicia ​Gilbert

Co-Leader for Bettering Lives of Outstanding Moms and California contact!
Mariana

Mariana Atchley: Portugal Contact - Future Portuguese Program director also Curriculum Developer

Lisa van der Wilt 
​(Grader and marketing)
Bebo Mia trained doula
Working on Blessed Womb Childbirth Educator Certificate 
​from Canada! 

Nicole Kline Grader Eliademy Classroom and Great Friend!

McKayla from New York will be helping start BLOOM in New York

Mickayla going to California will be helping in that area! 

Prayer to Infant Prague:
INFANT OF PRAGUE NOVENA PRAYER  
 O Jesus, Who has said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened," through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted.
(Make your request)
O Jesus, Who has said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you," through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted.
(Make your request)
O Jesus, Who has said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass away," through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.
(Make your request) PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life. Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands. Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen