Author: Rachel Leavitt

Often people feel like the role a doula plays can or should be done by other healthcare workers. While this would be nice, in reality it is very difficult for healthcare workers to provide good medical care and good labor … 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

As a part of my course, I have my students write about the theories in hypnobirthing and then interview someone who has used it. I have seen great births with this method, though most rarely will call it completely pain … Read More

Pain during childbirth is a common phenomenon. It is most often associated with the contracting of the uterus. However, did you know that pain can come from all sorts of areas and for all sorts of reasons during labor and … Read More

We all want to have as easy a labor as possible, and a large part of preparing your body for labor comes before labor even starts. Some of preparation should be stretches and exercises to help decrease muscle tension in … 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

Women have been birthing babies since the beginning of time. As we can see from the media, there are many positions that women get into as part of labor and even into delivery. Doing what feels good and comfortable helps … Read More

When I was working in the hospital, I came across data and research that supported managing second stage labor in a different way than what I was taught. In the hospital, we were taught to start pushing as soon as … Read More

In my doula course, I teach specific exercises to help prepare for an easier birth.  These exercises are designed to increase the strength and function of the muscles utilized in birth and to optimize the birthing space.  To help with our … Read More

The more I work with women in birth, the more I realize that spirituality plays a role in many people’s births.  This may include a simple prayer or long meditations the mother uses to connect herself to the divine with … Read More