What is a Doula?  According to DONA, “The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.  Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.”

What is Plus Size Doula Connections? The purpose of Plus Size Doula Connections is to encourage plus size women to hire doulas and stop getting railroaded into medical interventions due to their size.  This project also makes it easier for plus size women birthing outside of a hospital to find a doula who has experience working with larger women.  I feel having an available list of “size friendly” doulas will help alleviate possible apprehension around inviting a stranger into someone’s birth circle of support.

How does Plus Size Doula Connections work?  Doulas from around the world are listed on Plus Size Doula Connections List.  The doulas listed on Plus Size Doula Connections List have done so because they have experience working with women 200lbs or more.  I can only personally recommend Whitney Nichols-Dewey in Denver, CO so remember to always do your own research and thoroughly interview doulas before hiring one.  If you don’t find a doula located near you on the list check out Plus Size Doula Connections Facebook page!  Post where you’re looking for a doula and you’ll hopefully receive a response shortly since there are more than 600 people on this page including a few hundred doulas.

Are you a doula who wants to be added to Plus Size Doula Connections List? Please e-mail a picture of yourself, contact information, and your doula philosophy to plussizebirth@gmail.com.  There is no charge to be added to this list because I feel so strongly about plus size women working with a doula.

Here’s my personal experience working with a doula.
Whitney played a pivotal role in making sure my husband and I had the first time birth experience we desired. Being plus size and pregnant you’re placed into certain stereotypes but I was determined to not live up to them. When Whitney came into our lives, with a high recommendation from a friend, she put so many of my concerns at ease. Whitney had more confidence in my ability to have a natural childbirth then I had but over time she helped me to become just as confident.  Whitney took us on such a beautiful journey during my pregnancy. My husband and I felt like we learned more from Whitney in our first meeting then we had with six months of prenatal care with an OB. She supported our desire to have a hospital birth but had legitimate concerns about the hospital we had selected.  We ended up switching to a hospital with a wonderful midwife program. She also put me in touch with a plus size midwife who further eased my concerns and helped to build my confidence. Whitney tapped into our emotions regarding our son’s birth and opened my husband up in ways he hadn’t anticipated. She was quick to respond to any questions or concerns I had via e-mail and always made it clear that she was here for us at all times.  When I was in labor Whitney taught me how to ride my contractions like a wave and blow them away.  She kept encouraging me to change positions and sometimes I would respond with “no” because I was afraid of the pain but she was always right and I always felt better after I followed her advice. When it came time to deliver she kept pressure on my lower back and helped me to really listen to what my body was telling me to do. Before I knew it my beautiful son was born! Chris and I did our best to express our gratitude but I don’t think I can ever really thank Whitney enough for her guidance and care during one of the most incredible times of our lives.