A group here in the Ozarks isn't new, but it is a well kept secret.

The Doula Foundation.

Having a baby is hard especially for first time Moms. For women who may be alone in their journey it can be even scarier. A doula is someone who can help.

"Move your baby right on top of your hips"

During pregnancy, after the birth, and everything in between, that's where a Doula comes in.

"The Greek word for mothering the mother, Doulas do not do anything medical, emotional support, physical support, someone to be your advocate"

They do that through classes like pre-natal and Itsy Bitsy Yoga. And through the big event ... labor.

"My husband and I had never been around someone who's in labor we had no clue what to do"

That's why Crystal Ferguson and her husband thought a Doula would be a good idea with their first child. Her Doula was the first person Crystal called when she went into labor.

"She brought lotions that were really comfortable and she did massages, got me walking in the hallway letting gravity do its work"

"The first two weeks after a baby is born can be the hardest and that when new moms feel like they could use an extra set of hands, that's where a Doula comes in just to hold the baby so the mother can get a much needed nap"

"If the moms are having trouble with breastfeeding support, newborn care, anything, the Doula's just a phone call away"

Julie Waldie says a Doula's ultimate goal is to keep the families and babies together and safe by promoting that touch between mother and infant.

"The more bonding and attachment you can do at the heart of birth, the less likelihood for abuse and neglect"

The impact was so great for Crystal, she hired her doula again for her second child and she's made a career move.

"Lori was so wonderful it made me want to become one, so I’m a post-partem Doula"

There are free Doulas through the Doula Foundation if you qualify financially or you can hire one for about $500 to $750 dollars.

If you want to help the Doula Foundation here in the Ozarks and support its efforts, they rely on donations, here's a way you can.

This Sunday there is a kickball tournament at Summers at the River on 160 in Nixa.
Starting at 12:30
$12 a person and it benefits the Doula Foundation
You can contact them through their website www.doulafoundation.org