Birth Doula Support
Having doula support at your birth can reduce the likelihood of Cesarean, induction, pain med use and improve breastfeeding success (source). Just as important as all these great statistics is the increased satisfaction people have with their birth experience- less trauma, less stress, more joy! What’s so special about doula support that it can provide all these amazing benefits?
Unwavering support, commitment to be there for you and your partner 100%.
Photo Credit: The Gender Spectrum Collection
I can help you sort through your options
Everything from where to have your baby, and which childbirth education classes to take through induction discussions, breastfeeding challenges and everything in between. By providing good quality information and helping people to know which questions to ask their care providers, without judgment, I provide the support people need to move forward with confidence.
Education-Doulas Know stuff!
I know lots of pain coping skills- breathing is just the start- positions for comfort, activities for labor progress, what to expect in different birth settings, all the various interventions and procedures to expect in labor, how to help get breastfeeding off to a good start, and who to turn to when life gets more complicated (lactation consultants, physical therapists, chiropractors, the list goes on and ON).
Mid pelvis opening
Emotional Support
I hold space with compassion, respect and without judgement. Bringing a child into your family is a transformational event. Having the support of your doula, with an open heart makes it all feel more do-able. I believe in you- even when you are not sure you can believe in yourself.
Physical Support
The simplicity of a glass of water easily at hand. That doesn’t sound so complicated, right? Surely your partner can supply this in labor- except that person is also going through a major transformational experience, while bearing witness to their partner going through labor and quite possibly sleep deprived, thirsty and hungry themselves, and dealing with their own worries that they don’t want to burden others with. Remembering the glass of water, or a cool washcloth or an extra pillow here and there- well, it’s nice to know the doula is on task and looking out for these things too.
Partner Support
It’s their birth too! Partner’s provide unique support at a birth as the close bond between parents in unlike the relationship with anyone else present. That doesn’t always translate to knowing how to be good labor support and many partners are looking for a bit of guidance and to take the burden of being “everything” to the laboring person. I help partners be great support, and give them the space to rest or step out as needed during the intense hours of labor.
Taken all together a doula provides Support At Your Birth in so many ways. That support helps expectant parents relax and find their Calm and Confidence in birth and as they launch into parenthood. That’s the secret to doula support—it’s all the parts together to help new parents feel fully supported. It leads to all sorts of well documented improved medical outcomes, and to better births.