What Doula Support Looks Like: The Birth of Avery

My work as a doula is something so special to me. Birth work is a calling, and I feel incredibly grateful every time a family invites me into one of the most meaningful days of their lives 🤍

WHAT DOULA SUPPORT LOOKS LIKE - PRENATAL AND EARLY LABOR

Doula support begins long before labor - we build a relationship throughout pregnancy, and when labor begins I’m often encouraging, listening, answering questions, and helping families navigate those first hours by text/phone. Together we then decide when it’s time for me to meet them at home or to head to the hospital or birth center!

For Avery, I was more phone support once labor started for them at home - we stayed in communication about her contraction pattern and I gave suggestions for different positions for comfort in labor and made sure she was hydrated. Once things seemed to progress from early to active labor, we all headed to the hospital and met there!

MEETING AT THE HOSPITAL

Once I’ve joined them, I’m all in! Caitlyn was 6cm upon arrival - awesome! Since I was now with them, I kind of guided them during this time in labor; we moved, walked around, changed positions, worked through contractions, and found comfort however we can. She felt best - and contractions were in a great pattern - as she walked around, so we all did a few laps in the hallway stopping to give some counter pressure and support to her as the contractions came on.

During active labor and transition, sometimes it’s my hands on mama and sometimes I’m guiding her partner so they feel confident supporting her and working with her, too. I’m always there with my eyes on mama offering suggestions, keeping everyone hydrated/nourished, thinking a few steps ahead, and cheering her on every step of the way!

time to meet baby

Then comes the moment we’ve all been waiting for - meeting baby! I could see her going through transition as she was lying in bed and knew we were about to be pushing - so I was there with a soft smile on my face, knowing they are nearing the end of labor and the moment they lay eyes on their little one 🫶🏻

Typically during the pushing stage I am right near mama encouraging and coaching in any way that she may need. Sometimes I’m there silently praying her through it, too <3

After delivery, I stay to support those first feeds, answer questions, hold space, and let this new family simply soak each other in.

And of course throughout the day I’m quietly documenting it all - the strength, the connection, the work of labor, the overwhelming joy, and the very first moments of a family growing.

Birth work is a calling; everyone I know who works in birth does so because they love it with a big part of their heart, and I think that’s beautiful <3