Before my pregnancy I wasn't familiar with the term "Doula". After hearing the term repeatedly through books, websites and prenatal classes, we decided to look into it. At first I was a bit skeptical as to whether hiring a doula would be right for me. I have thought about having a child and giving birth my whole life. I never imagined it to include a support person that I didn't know.
A doula is a person that you hire to be there throughout labor and delivery. She will come to the house at the onset of labor and continue with us to the hospital when the time is right. Through her knowledge and experience, she supports the laboring mother and her partner to help ensure a positive birth experience. She provides emotional support through encouragement, patience and her knowlege of the laboring and birthing process. She provides physical support through massage, use of various relaxation techniques and suggests progressive labor and delivery positions to help ease discomfort. Should complications arise, she ensures we have a good understanding of our options and the information presented to us. She helps in overseeing that our birth plan is followed when appropriate.
After meeting with our Doula, Liz, and learing more about the process and the support she will provide not only for me, but for Dave, I am looking forward to the birth of our son, with less fear of the unknown.
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