What is Birth Support?
Additional Information
WHAT IS A BIRTH DOULA?
A Doula supports and nurtures a birthing person through their journey of labor and birth. Doulas supports a birthing person through the 3 pillars of labor: physical support, emotional support and Information/Advocacy support.
PROVEN BENEFITS OF A BIRTH DOULA
Decreased medical intervention in labor. Reduces need for cesarean 39%. Reduces need for forceps or vacuum extractor. Reduces use of pain medication 10%. Reduces dissatisfaction with birth 31%. Reduces labor by 41 minutes on average.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Assisting birthing person and their partner navigate through the fears and reservations. Reassurance, praise, encouragement and companionship., showing a caring and positive energy. Accepting the birthing persons wants, needs. Validating the birthing persons fears, concerns and wants. Debriefing and helping birthing person and their partner process their birth and listen.
INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY SUPPORT
Assist and guide the birthing person and their partner through the labor process. Evidence based information on different things in pregnancy and childbirth. Help explain medical procedures before they occur and help the birthing person understand their options. Help the non-birthing person understand what is going on. We encourage the birthing person to vocalize their needs, wants and preferences and help their partner advocate in the event the birthing person isn’t being heard. Suggest different avenues of labor such as techniques, positions/positioning and movement.
PHYSICAL SUPPORT
Applying warm/cold compresses. Massage and soothing touch. Assist with creating a calming environment such as dimming lights, using soft voices, turning on/oof music and tv. Assisting with showering, going to the restroom, getting in and out of the tub, walking around. Assisting with food/drinks/ice chips as allowed
WHAT DOES A DOULA NOT DO?
A Doula is not a medically trained professional and does not preform and clinical tasks. We do not preform vaginal exams or felt heart monitoring. We do not give medical advice but we do refer to the proper people to answer questions or concerns. We do not make decisions for our clients.
HOW CAN A DOULA ASSIST IF IM HAVING A CESAREAN?
A Doula can assist in answering any questions and help create a birth plan for your c section. Before surgery a Doula can explain procedures to you, help you get answers to any questions or concerns you may have. Once in the OR a Doula can assist by explaining what is going on. A Doula can remain by your side in the event that the non-birthing partner has to follow the baby to the warmer or NICU. A Doula is a valuable asset in the first few hours post c section while you recover. She can assist with breastfeeding and support.
PACKAGES
VAGINAL BIRTHS
24/7 phone support/text/email support
Resources & Referrals
1-2 in-home prenatal visit for birth prep
Labor support beginning at home or the hospital
Continuous support by doula
Help with baby’s fist latch
Post birth support for up to 2 hours
1 in-home post birth visit
In-home newborn care class
SCHEDULED CESAREANS
24/7 phone support/text/email support
Resources & Referrals
1 in-home prenatal visit for birth prep
Labor support beginning at home or the hospital
Continuous support by doula
Support during surgery prep up to 6 hours
OR support (hospital rules depending)
2 hours post birth support
In-home post-birth visit
in home newborn care class
