WHAT IS A labor and birth support person?
The word doula is the mostly commonly recognized term for a labor and birth support person, but this word holds meanings and history that are problematic and uncomfortable for many people, which is why I prefer to use the inclusive descriptor support person. This refers to a person experienced with and educated in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a birthing person and their family throughout pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. I am not a medical provider or assistant, and I do not perform any clinical tasks or advise parents on medical decisions. I serve clients in whatever capacity needed during labor, including hands-on physical support through touch, massage, and positioning, emotional support through relaxation and breathing techniques, and informational support by helping clients to know which questions to ask and how to be their own advocates. My role does not overlap with that of the partner, nurse, midwife or doctor, but rather complements and works together with any others present. The presence of a trained support person at a birth can help facilitate communication between clients and care providers, as well as demonstrating comfort measures to the laboring person's partner or family members so everyone can participate in the labor effectively and smoothly. Whether you are planning to birth medicated, unmedicated, or via Cesarean, in a hospital, at home or at a birthing center, a labor support person is well-versed in how to help you achieve the birth that you desire.
What will labor support look like?
During Pregnancy Throughout your pregnancy, we will build connection through prenatal visits and virtual and phone communication. We will work together to identify your preferences and priorities for your labor, discussing each person’s role in the process. I specialize in working together with partners and other family members who will be present during the labor to help you feel supported in all the ways you need. We will discuss past birth experiences, your fears and worries, and any prior trauma or triggers that may be relevant. I will work with you to develop a birth plan so that everyone on your birth team can be on the same page.
During Labor Once your labor begins, we will decide when you are ready for me to meet you, and I will meet you at your home or your birthplace. When I arrive, I will work together with your partner to provide you with the support you need to cope with labor contractions. I use physical techniques such as massage, counterpressure and hip squeezes, belly lifting and sifting, as well as a variety of position changes and maneuvers for comfort, relaxation and labor progression. In addition to physical support, I use techniques for optimal mental and emotional relaxation, including breathing techniques, visualization, affirmation and encouragement, and maintaining a calm and relaxed environment. I also provide informational support as needed; if any complications arise or changes to your birth plan need to be made, I will make sure you have the time, space and information you need to make informed decisions. I will continue to provide support through the birth and for a few hours afterwards, assisting you with feeding baby and getting settled postpartum.
Postpartum After your birth I will check in with you in the first few days through phone call or text to answer any questions you have. When you’re ready, I will visit you at home where we will talk through your birth, and check in on your postpartum recovery and feeding experience so far. I will help you with any questions or struggles you may be dealing with, and provide resources and referrals for additional assistance you may need.
labor and Birth Support services
Included in all labor and birth support packages:
One complimentary consultation
One or more prenatal visits to discuss preferences and get to know each other
Unlimited phone, text, and email communication during pregnancy, birth and six weeks postpartum
On call for the weeks surrounding your estimated due date
Support during labor, birth and immediately postpartum
One postpartum visit
Inquire to learn more about currently available packages and pricing.
“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula…the presence of continuous one-on-one support during labor and delivery was associated with improved patient satisfaction and a statistically significant reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery.”
Sibling support Services
I also help support older siblings during an out of hospital birth at a birthing center or at home. I will meet with you and your child or children during pregnancy to discuss what you want your birth experience to look like and how the children may fit in to that. I will meet you at your home to support your child during your labor and birth experience as needed. While I will perform caregiving tasks such as facilitating meals, diapering/toileting, playing and entertaining, I am not a babysitter. I am there to help children navigate the unpredictable experience of being present during a labor when parents may not be able to provide the attention, support and explanations needed. My background in childcare, education and parenting, along with my training and experience as a birth professional help me to provide whatever each individual child needs during the experience of adding a new member to the family. This service is available for children of any age.
Included in the sibling support package:
One complimentary consultation
One or two prenatal visits with parent(s) and child(ren) to discuss preferences and get to know each other
Unlimited phone, text, and email communication during pregnancy, birth and six weeks postpartum
On call for the weeks surrounding your estimated due date
Sibling support during labor, birth and immediately postpartum
