A Doula is your solid rock to stand on throughout labor and in the first moments of your baby’s life. As a trained birth support person, doulas are well-versed in the stages of labor and in helping women cope in moments of overwhelm, pain, anxiety, or fear. We support the wishes of women throughout the birth process and make sure women feel empowered and heard from their first contraction until they are holding their precious baby and everyone gets a clean bill of health.
Preparing for Labor
Birth Doulas typically meet with a pregnant women beginning in their second trimester, and have at least one meeting with the woman and her birth support person/team prior to the birth. During these meetings, doulas educate the woman and birth partner on what to expect during labor and provides helpful resources. These resources may include:
- Non-medical pain management strategies
- Labor position information
- Tips for preparing the birth partner for labor
- Hospital bag packing lists
- Resources for unpacking trauma and fears that may affect how labor progresses
- Breastfeeding information
- SO much more!
- I’m not a normal doula… see why here.
Between meetings, Birth Doulas are your birth-obsessed best friend that can offer support, non-medical recommendations, and encouragement. Everyone has different needs and experiences during the later weeks of pregnancy and we are here to offer a non-judgmental ear for whatever you need. If you don’t know what questions to ask at your next midwife appointment- we got you! Not sure how to install the fancy new car seat- we can offer some help and will refer you to the car seat professionals in your area. Having serious doubts about your ability to give birth to a real human then raise that human to be a productive member of society? We’re here for that too. We care about all of your worries/anxieties/fears/excitements/frustrations because we care about you and your baby. Ultimately these big thoughts or feelings that you have during pregnancy can affect your labor and we want to help you achieve a sound mind so when your baby is ready to make an appearance, the only thing on your mind is holding your baby for the first time.
Some mommas will call or text their doula all the time while other moms will only speak to their doula at their meetings and when they’re in labor. Either way is totally fine, we’re here for whatever level of support you need.
Labor and Delivery
This is the exciting part! Labor and delivery look different for every mom and every baby. Whether you have a seamless birth with no complications or medical interventions, if you have a scheduled c-section, if you plan on birthing one way but have to change plans halfway through, or if complications happen, birth doulas won’t leave your side. We are there as your support and advocate.
Typically doulas will meet moms at Labor and Delivery at their hospital or at their birth center- or their home if it’s a home birth! When not supporting the mother, doulas offer support to the support person by getting them drinks or food or whatever else they may need. Throughout the labor, doulas will offer physical and emotional support to the mother, guide them through position changes, and advocate for them if something is making them uncomfortable or if they feel unheard by the medical staff. Because doulas have a relationship with the mother prior to labor and are trained in labor and birth, they are well-equipped to aid in communication between medical staff, the support person, and the mother. Doulas may also offer to take pictures throughout the labor and birth.
Immediately Postpartum
Once the baby is earthside, the doula will typically stick around for up to an hour to support the mother and support person however they may need as they adjust to their new baby and a healing mom. Doulas are trained in breastfeeding and will help the mom and baby achieve their first latch. Immediate postpartum can look different if the mother had a c-section, epidural, or unmedicated birth. The doula can stay with the mother in case the support person needs to accompany the baby to the NICU for an reason. Once everything settles and the mother is able to breath and relax, the doula will see herself out and allow the family to cherish this sacred time.
A Few Days- A Few Weeks Postpartum
The postpartum visit(s) can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after the birth. This time allows the family to process the labor and delivery and the mother to physically heal and rest. The doula will meet with the mother and baby, answer any questions the mother may have, and provide any resources or support the family may need.
For more information about what I do as a doula, check out my Birth Doula Package. Feel free to contact me with questions or if you’re hunting for the perfect doula for you.
Every birth is different! But every baby and momma deserves the support of a doula
