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
There are benefits and risks to delayed cord clamping and our student, Amanda, has done a great job of outlining both sides. It’s important to know both benefits and risks when making an informed decision. BENEFITS OF DELAYED CORD CLAMPING … 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
We realize that not everyone will be celebrating the Christian world’s most beloved holiday of the year. Yet perhaps we might ask for your indulgence for just a moment. I invite you to consider the great birth story at the … Read More
Black women are twice as likely to lose their babies as white women in Missouri, and the state’s maternal mortality rate is 50% higher than the national average, according to past Missourian reporting. These statistics are not just the norm … Read More
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