 Our Birth Doula did an exceptional job at helping my partner
and I think about and prepare for our ideal birth experience. Many of the discussions we had with her, as well as the books she recommended and the exercises that she modeled for us were critical during our labor. Thanks to her guidance,
we
felt very comfortable and confident making decisions.
Our Doula was ever-present throughout
my 38 hour
labor, yet in a perfectly unobtrusive way. She closely watched both my and my partner's needs and magically seemed to know how and when to weave in to support us, offer suggestions or take over.
She is the reason that we had as wonderful a birth experience as we did. Despite the complications and unexpected turns, we were prepared, empowered and surrounded by the right team of professionals because of seeds she planted and nurtured in the weeks prior to labor.
In her quiet and unassuming way, our Doula provided us with the tools and support to create the most powerful and amazing birth experience for our family.
I will be forever grateful to her for doing so.
~
Rachel
A.,
Maryland
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Labor
Support Doulas
 Labor Support is provided by birth doulas specially trained and certified through nationally recognized organizations. Studies have shown that their assistance helps decrease the pain and stress associated with childbirth, enhancing the birth experience for both mother and partner. Before Labor the birth doula provides an in-home birth planning session to discuss your priorities, and is available for telephone support at any time.
During Labor, the birth doula:
- Offers non-medical continuous emotional support, physical comfort measures, and objective viewpoint and information to aid decision-making.
- Uses relaxing techniques, guided imagery, massage, positioning, hot or cold packs, baths or showers, patterned breathing, and attention focusing techniques
- Makes a woman’s birth experience a positive memory with rich rewards and feelings of accomplishment
- Acts as a liaison between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care provider, and is familiar with hospital procedures
After Delivery, the birth doula assists with postpartum procedures and early breastfeeding. Over the next few days, the doula keeps in touch by phone, and arranges a visit to review the labor, and answer questions.
Labor Support doulas are also available for private, in-home childbirth preparation classes.
|
|
|
|
|
