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:
Welcome: My name is Kara Figueroa. I'm a mother of 4 wildly different and amazing kids, wife for 18 years to my sweet and supportive man, Kris, and a certified labor & birth doula. 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:
- there are many ways to birth a baby
- each and every birth is unique and beautiful
- birth matters
- 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
