CHILDBIRTH SUPPORT FROM OUR DOULAS

The word doula comes from ancient Greek meaning “woman who serves”. And that is the main idea behind a doula- to serve birthing families during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. A doula serves a woman in labor in all aspects of their physical, emotional, and informational needs. Physical support could be: helping her take a walk or maintain a more comfortable position, using counter pressure on her hips or back to reduce the intensity of contractions, giving her massages or relaxing touches to help her relax, using a rebozo (traditional Mexican cloth used in childbirth), tens unit, or keeping her hydrated.

Emotional Support may look like: being a continuous presence so she is assured she has support, listening and being empathetic to her needs, fears, and wishes, helping her stay motivated despite the difficulties, reminding her of her personal affirmations and birth preferences, ensuring that her voice is heard by her birth team. 

Informational support may look like: helping her evaluated risks and benefits when a decision must be made, giving options or alternatives for pain management or other challenges, being a guide as changes to her birth plan arise.