Professional Labor Assistance

A "doula" is a professional, trained labor assistant who remains by your side throughout your labor, birth and immediate postpartum period. Doulas are experienced and trained in natural pain relief techniques and knowledge of the natural process of birth.

Some of the tasks a labor and birth doula will do include:

• Caring for you in your home, before you go to your birth place.
• Making sure you are nourished and hydrated.
• Providing expert comfort measures, such as massage and relaxation.
• Offering information about the natural birth process.
• Making sure youare informed about procedures and interventions that are offered.
• Taking photographs of your birth and new baby, if you desire.
• Helping you with the first breastfeeding and other immediate postpartum issues.
• Offering 24-hour telephone consultation throughout pregnancy, labor, and 2 weeks postpartum.

Doula service includes:
• One or two prenatal visits to discuss your needs and plan for your birth (depending on needs and desires).
• On-call status for your labor and birth, from three weeks before your due date until the birth occurs.
• Continuous support during your labor and birth, and for several hours postpartum.
• One in-home postpartum visit to check on you and your newborn, help with breastfeeding, and discuss your birth experience.
• Digital photos taken during the birth and of the newborn (if you desire).