Author: Rachel Leavitt

I was taught purple pushing as a nurse.  That’s what they call the way the pushing stage is done in the hospital.  The woman is on her back with her legs being held up.  She holds her breathe and pushes … Read More

Here’s another student response to the question: What does labor support mean to you?

Student Response by Cara Koehlerth (Editor Note: This was first submitted as an assignment in our program. This student’s response is reprinted here with her permission.) There are many different types of birthing classes & theories designed to explain labor … Read More

Did you know that Pitocin is the most commonly used drug for inductions in the US?  Did you also know that it is classified as a “high-alert” drug, and half of all paid legal claims involve pitocin? So why is … Read More

At New Beginnings we are often asked what exactly a doula can and can’t do, and what their limits to practice are when they hold other professional licenses and certification. This is a common question among doulas and the organizations … Read More

Client Confidentiality and New Beginnings Confidentiality is an important part of the standards of a New Beginnings Doula.  It is imperative that clients’ information be kept private and out of the public realm, (unless permission has been given to share.)  … Read More

A nurturing doula can help empower women.  “[C]aregiving professionals can seek new ways to nurture and empower [women]…during labor and birth.”-Paulina Perez To nurture is defined as “the process of caring for and encouraging the growth or development of someone … Read More

Doula Cesarean Support? Many women who use doulas are looking to have a natural birth without medications.  Occasionally, though, emergencies happen, plans change, and a c-section is neccesary.   I often get questioned on what doula cesarean support to help … Read More

In my writings, and perhaps those of others, you may have seen the term physiologic birth.  In order to understand why I choose to use this term and how to provide support for a physiologic birth, I thought it might … Read More

Shaking during labor can be common. This video provides a quick look at when it happens, what may cause it, and how you help support a women who is experiencing the shivers during labor. References: Shivering and shivering-like tremor during … Read More