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:
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Offers non-medical continuous emotional support, physical
comfort measures, and objective viewpoint and information
to aid decision-making.
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Uses relaxing techniques, guided imagery, massage, positioning,
hot or cold packs, baths or showers, patterned breathing,
and attention focusing techniques
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Makes a woman’s birth experience a positive memory with
rich rewards and feelings of accomplishment
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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.
