What is a Doula?
Doula - Pronounced 'doo-la' - is a Greek word meaning 'woman servant or caregiver'.
It refers to a trained birth professional who provides emotional, physical and informational support
to a mother and her partner before, during and after childbirth. This support helps families
achieve the healthiest and most satisfying experience as possible. A doula is considered an essential part of a birth team.
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Thayer’s definition for the Greek word doulos (doula) ~ one who gives himself up to another’s will.
Those whose service is used by Christ. Devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own
interests a servant, attendant.
Smile Doula, LLC
About Smile Doula:
Hello! My name is Kara Figueroa. My journey to becoming a doula began when I became a mother. It wasn't until I had my first baby that I started to understand the severe gap that was left unfilled in maternity care. My husband and I have had the beautiful gift of experiencing labor & birth of 4 beautiful babies together. The labor and birth of our second child is what lit that fire inside me to fill that gap. His labor left me broken and numb from avoidable trauma. I remember very specifically leaving the hospital and thinking, "no mom should ever leave the hospital feeling like this. There has to be a better way." After recovering from several postpartum mood disorders, I began to pray and asked God to place me where there was a gap. I began my birth studies in February 2008 and have spent the last 13 years dedicating myself to educating, serving and supporting families.
Some things I feel strongly about concerning birth:
- Birth Matters!
- Your Voice Matters!
- There are many ways to birth a baby
- Each and every birth is unique and beautiful
- A little love, support and service go a long way
- YOU are amazing, powerful and oh so beautiful!
Trainings: DONA Birth Doula training and workshop, Birth Arts International Labor & Birth Doula, Birth Arts International Aromatherapy for Pregnancy Birth and Postpartum, Rebozo, Spinning Babies, Neonatal Resuscitation, home birth education, Safety, Infecton Control & Prevention, Evidence Based Birth VBAC course, Simply Breastfeeding, bereavement doula and bereavement photographer. Currently training with Birth Arts for my Childbirth Educator Certificaiton.
Certifications: Birth Arts International Certified Labor & Birth Doula, Still Birthday University Certified Birth & Bereavement Doula, Birth Arts International Certification in Aromatherapy for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
“Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well.” Mother Teresa
