Carissa Williams 🌿 Birth Doula Atlanta

🤍 Some things your DOULA can help with during Labor & Birth:

🌿 Be PRESENT
🌿 Counterpressure & Good Hip Squeezes 🔥
🌿 Back, neck, foot or hand massage
🌿 Words of affirmation & encouragement
🌿 Listen & validate feelings
🌿 Prayer & spiritual support 🙏🏼
🌿 Use of labor props such as peanut or birth balls, birth sling, rebozo, massage ball, comb, hot/cold therapy, etc.
🌿 Suggestions for relaxation techniques, rhythmic breathing, and finding a helpful, calming ritual through contractions
🌿 Set up a peaceful & calm birth environment
🌿 Use of aromatherapy/ essential oils
🌿 Play your favorite playlist 🎶
🌿 Use fan & cool washcloths for relief or nausea
🌿 Offer drinks & snacks whenever desired
🌿 Remind you of your birth plan/desires & using “BRAIN technique” when birth options or interventions are presented
🌿 Support your Spouse/Birth Partner with rest, options, suggestions & encouragement
🌿 Suggest position changes to encourage labor progress
🌿 Move & Breathe alongside you with contractions, one surge and wave at a time 🌊
🌿 Take lots of photos/videos (if desired), and take notes of key moments throughout labor to help you later process your Birth Story
🌿 Cook a meal, help clean up the birth space or help with siblings during the immediate postpartum time
🌿 Keep the oxytocin flowing!!! 💖

🤍 Did you know that evidence-based studies have shown that women who use DOULAS have lower reported pain levels in labor, shorter labors, use of fewer medical interventions, lower C-section rates, and higher satisfaction of their birth experiences?

“If a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to offer it.”

🤍 Reminder that your DOULA does NOT take the place of your Spouse or Birth Partner. They work together as a TEAM to better support you, and your Doula supports your Partner as well! Teamwork makes the Dream Birth Work 🤍

📸 : Awesome photos by the talented @alexecade at our beautiful client’s birth, Meg @megbayliss91 💖

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