Author: Rachel Leavitt

Nowadays, most people have at least heard about doulas. But there are still many misunderstandings about what they actually do when serving a laboring family. Here are some of the top misconceptions we have heard. Misconception about doulas #1: Laboring … Read More

I often describe the role of a doula by first describing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.  This is a concept that is taught in my course.  It can be depicted like a pyramid with physiologic needs and safety at the bottom … Read More

We know that a quality doula will provide support for her client in whatever choices she makes.  Whether or not she agrees with those decisions should not affect her care. That said, it is not uncommon for negative emotions to arise in connection with a choice her client makes, either towards her client or the care providers.

One of our students prepared a birth plan for a client who would be dealing with anemia (a deficiency of red blood cells typically resulting in weariness) during her labor. With our student’s permission we are reproducing her plan on … Read More

When you are pregnant, your body produces 1250 mL more blood volume than before you are pregnant.   You are also obviously gaining weight  All that tends to push fluids out of our blood vessels (where they belong) and into … Read More

Even though epidurals are a very effective way to control pain during labor (though that does not mean they relieve suffering or anxiety), nearly 16% of epidurals are not effective.  Sometimes women cannot even get them before their baby is … Read More

As doulas, it is important that we understand why women make the decisions they do.  Understanding how women make decisions during labor and birth helps us to move away from our own biases during birth, and move into the world … Read More

Pregnancy can be uncomfortable, and often women wonder if the discomforts they feel are normal or if there is something they can do about them.  While there usually isn’t a cure, it helps to know what to expect. New Beginnings … Read More

As a nurse and a doula, medical inductions for non-medical reasons are at the top of my list of things that make me cringe.  In the birthing community, I have seen the concern growing with others also.   More and more, … Read More

Newborn jaundice is when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replaces old red blood cells. The liver helps break down the substance so it … Read More