I can help you manage your labor longer and reduce the amount of drugs you and your baby are exposed to.  Sometimes, when an epidural is given, the hospital staff and even loved ones pay more attention to the monitor than to you.  You will still need strong emotional support and  information to make choices if it becomes necessary.

My presence can positively affect your satisfaction with the outcome of the cesarean whether it was planned for or an emergency. I can inform, support and care for you throughout the birth so that you can have a positive feeling.  I can explain the procedure before the birth and stay with you while your partner accompanies the baby to the nursery for observation.

It may be helpful to hire me several months before your due date so that I can help you plan for the birth and to allow you to become physically prepared for the birth through relaxation practice and prenatal exercises.

The difference is that midwives are medical practitioners who are licensed to deliver babies and to provide maternal care. Doulas are trained to assist the laboring Mother in non-medical ways to make labor easier and to enhance the child birth experience.

The roles of midwife and doula are complementary. A Doula helping a couple delivering at the Birth Center will go to their home in early labor to be with them as labor progresses. When labor has progressed sufficiently and the midwives feel that it is time for them to arrive at the Birth Center, they all go there together. Midwives at the Birth Center are often looking after several laboring couples at the same time. While they would like to be able to give each couple their undivided attention, it is not always possible if there should be multiple families in labor.

The couple having a doula has one- on- one care from someone knowledgeable about birth who can help the Mother-to-be when the midwife is not present. As in a hospital birth, when the nurse and doctor can't be there your doula is always with you.