Breath. Body. Q&A.
What is a Doula and why should I use one?
A doula provides physical, emotional, & informational support during labor. The word is originally Greek, meaning “women’s servant.” However, in Ethiopian culture it translates to “walking stick,” perhaps more appropriately named. They are at the mother’s side during labor, for the birth, and the immediate hours afterward. Your doula will provide research based information for you to make informed choices. During labor, they will offer comfort measures, breathing techniques, and suggest changes of position to help you cope, while staying connected. Having a compassionate guide during labor has shown to greatly reduce the risk of cesarean and other unnecessary medical interventions, help facilitate a faster and less painful labor, and promote a sense of safety & calm for both you and your partner. We are there for you and your family, no one else.
What are the benefits of exercise on my labor/recovery?
Pregnancy and Birth cause major changes in not just your life, but your body as well. Knowing how to safely use your muscles while your body is changing can prevent injury, ease aches & pains, help with sleeplessness & lethargy, and give you the stamina you need to carry & birth a human being. Having strong squatting muscles allows for you to have a more active labor, while a strong core & pelvic floor will reduce your recovery time postpartum…all good things! The best part is, prenatal exercises are one of the best ways to return to activity after your baby is here too!
“Lauren of Breath.Body.Baby. has such an incredible gift. The mental and physical support she provides during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum is nothing short of amazing. Every birthing person deserves this level of attention and care…” — Amy M.
Active Labor? Huh?
You can be in active labor, which is when things really get going, but you can also have an active labor. Staying mobile and using gravity are two of the best ways to have a quicker and less painful birth experience. Having a doula there to offer suggestions and hands on relief is the best way to stay present and creative, making your process more fun & “effortless.” Our classes and doula services were created around preparing you, or you and your partner, to use your breath, mind, and body to help you have a more mindful role in bringing your baby into this world.
Won’t my OB or Midwife be there to help me?
Yes! And they are an important & carefully chosen member of your birth team. However, in most instances, you will not be their only patient nor will they be able to be with you consistently. A doula will be with you continuously from the moment you call her, until after the birth. Your doula will even offer information or ask questions that can help you communicate more effectively with your caregivers.
What if I want my partner to be my Doula?
Your partner knows you best & can be the most important comfort you have during this life experience. A doula is not just there for the mother, but also to assist the partner in how they can be supportive during labor. Remember, this is an emotional & personal journey for your partner, as well, and they may also need support. Your doula will be there to offer your partner encouragement, allow them space for a snack, to communicate with family, take care of other children, or just rest. Your doula’s use of hands on comfort & encouragement will allow your partner to be as involved as they would like, while being able to focus more on you. However, we offer prenatal visits & training to spouses or partners so they can support “like a doula” too! Take a look at our Breath. Body. For Partners. if that is your preference.
I’m planning to go to a hospital. Can I still use a Doula?
Absolutely! In fact, many births we attend are in a hospital. However, we will come to your home, to a birth center, or even out in the woods…as long as you have a Primary Care Practitioner (OB or Midwife), we support your decision to birth where you are most comfortable.
“Lauren was a dream. She made us feel so comfortable and supported throughout our experience. We worked as a team getting prepped for labor mentally, emotionally, and physically…We had a scary labor and I cannot imagine Lauren not being there and getting us through it. She provided us with an overload of info, especially when our doctors were making medical suggestions or asking us questions. We are over the moon with our experience…”—Lauren T.
Can I use an epidural or have a C-Section? Does a Doula support this?
Oh Yeah! We believe in your right to choose what works best for you. Choosing what methods help you cope best is part of a positive birthing experience and that is our main priority. We will make sure you are aware of all the options available to you, their known risks & benefits, and how they fit into any labor goals you may have. Even with the help of medication, birth is still a lot of work! And your doula will be there, without judgement, to help maximize your experience.
I have already had a C-section. Do you support VBAC?
YES! YES! AND YES! No more “once a c-section, always a c-section.” Research shows that women who have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) have lower rates of hemorrhage, blood clots, infection, and a shorter recovery. A C-section is a massive abdominal surgery, after all. We will provide you with all the information you need to navigate this decision with your family and practitioner. And support your goals toward a vaginal delivery.
How far will you travel?
In order to respond to you quickly, we mainly focus on in person doula support in the Chicago-land area. We also have flexible packages that allow you to pick and choose your service. If you are looking for virtual labor support, we can go anywhere you do!
Will you have any other clients around my due date?
Breath. Body. Baby. only takes a limited amount of in person births each month. This way we can focus more attention and time on you! Dates fill up quickly, please don’t hesitate to schedule your FREE consultation!
However, birth is unpredictable and so in the event that I am with another client, one of my qualified partner doulas will be there. This has never happened…but just know you will have the best support no matter what!
Still have more questions?
Let’s talk in person. We love answering questions. Meeting in person or on the phone is the best way for us to understand your individual needs and goals!