WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A DOULA DURING BIRTH?

As soon as you feel my support is needed, I will join you. Sometimes this begins at home, before going to a hospital (that is, if you choose to have a hospital birth). I will stay with you throughout labor and birth and up to a few hours after the birth. During active labor I am trained in specific comfort measure techniques to help with the physical aspect of labor. I will also encourage participation from your partner (depending on his/her comfort level) and offer reassurance. If questions arise, I can do my best to provide informational support to you and your partner. I will act as an advocate for the mother, encouraging her in her desires for her birth. My ultimate goal is to help the mother have a positive and safe birth experience, whether she wants an un-medicated birth, medicated or is having a planned caesarean birth.