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LABOR SUPPORT
CHOOSING A LABOR SUPPORT PERSON
Go with your gut about who you want at your birth. Homebirth and birth in general are very exciting events but your labor and birth will go most smoothly if you are surrounded by people who you are 100% comfortable with. Birth attendants could include family members, friends or a doula. Regardless, they should be comfortable with birth and able to give you as much or as little support as you need. Some women feel that birth is a deeply private event and choose to have only their partner and midwife present. Be honest with family and friends about how you feel and understand that your own comfort during labor should be your first priority.
BIRTH DOULAS
A birth doula is a trained labor support person who provides emotional and physical support to a laboring woman and her partner. While she is often not a medical professional, she can offer a wide range of comfort measures during labor - from massage to aromatherapy to continuous reassurance and coping techniques. A listing of selected area Doulas is provided below.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOULA
If you have chosen a doula, have her contact information clearly available where multiple people can find it. While she should be available to you whenever you want her, you might have an agreed-upon idea about when in your labor you want to call her. For example, you might call her first when you start having labor-like contractions, and then ask her to come over once your contractions are regular and you can no longer talk through them.
TRAVELING FRIENDS AND FAMILY
If relatives are traveling from long distances to come to your birth, it may be a good idea to have a back-up person (local friend or doula) as well. Labor is unpredictable, travel is stressful and it will put your mind at ease to know that no matter what, you will have the support you need.
DOULA LISTING |
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GABRIELA AMMANN |
HEFTZIBA CHASE |
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ANGELIQUE CLARK |
CHANA FRYDMAN |
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NICOLE HEIDBREDER
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SANDRA JAMROG
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JENNIFER KROLL |
WOMEN'S HEALING ARTS LILA YOGA |
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DIERDRE McCLAREY
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MONET MINDELL |
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BRITT SADY, BABY MOON DOULAS |
JADA SHAPIRO, BIRTHDAY PRESENCE |
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LAUREN ZUMMO
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POSTPARTUM DOULAS |
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DIANA ANTONELLI |
ALEXIS WINTER |