hospital birth — Blog — Doulas of Raleigh

First, know that it is OK and sometimes perfectly normal for folks to hang out in the same place in labor for awhile. It’s also normal for you to want to get the show on the road. Here are a few things to try if your labor has stalled.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Have Two Doulas

It takes twooooo baby…it takes twoooo baby…..for me and you…..it takes two….two doulas that is! Doulas of Raleigh always pairs labor clients up with a team of two labor doulas. Read on to find out some of the reason why two doulas is better than one.

What Are My Options for Fetal Monitoring

Most care providers will want to keep an eye on your baby while you are in labor. There are several options available for fetal monitoring. Some fetal monitoring needs to be continous and some fetal monitoring can be intermittent. Check out our newest blog post for your potential options.

Birth, Childbirth Education, High RIsk Pregnancy, Hospital Birth, Inductions, Labor, Labor Augmentation, Pregnancy, PushingHeather ClementsJune 22, 2023pregnancy, labor, labor and delivery, active labor, hospital birth, birth, fetal monitoring

What Happens if I Have Preeclampsia

May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month. Symptoms include high blood pressure, swelling in the face or limbs, blurred vision, headaches, and sensitivity to light. Call your care provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. If you are diagnosed with preeclampsia you may have a different path to birth than you planned. Take a look at what you might expect if you receive this diagnosis.

Birth, Birth Doulas, Doulas, Hospital Birth, Inductions, Labor, Pregnancy, Premature BabyHeather ClementsMay 5, 2023labor, labor support, labor and delivery, hospital birth, pregnancy, preeclampsia

What to Expect When I Arrive at the Hospital

After a few hours of labor it will be time to go to the hospital. Read this blog to find out what to expect once you arrive.

Labor, Pregnancy, Birth, Hospital BirthHeather ClementsFebruary 16, 2023labor, labor support, hospital birth, pregnancy, birth, labor and delivery, active labor

Positions for Pushing With an Epidural

You may have heard that you are totally numb if you have an epidural. You may have heard that you can only push on your back with an epidural. The good news is that is no longer the case! Most epidural placements now offer good pain control without confining you to being on your back. This means that you are able to push in different positions within your hospital bed. Take a look at some of your options!

Birth Doulas, Doulas, Epidurals, Inductions, PushingHeather ClementsJanuary 19, 2023epidural, labor, labor support, labor doula, Pushing, Pushing positions, hospital birth

The Welcoming Hour

The Welcoming Hour, sometimes called the Golden Hour, begins as soon as your baby is born. Read our newest blog post to find out what to expect and what you can do to get maxium benefits for you and your new baby during this first hour of your baby’s life.

Do I Still Need A Doula If I Have A Midwife?

Postivie pregnancy test..check. Secured an amazing midwife…check. Hire an amazing doula? Ch..wait…now why do I need one if I already have a midwife? This is a common question and we answer it today in our blog!

Birth Doulas, Birthing Partner, Doulas, Inductions, Labor, Pregnancy, Prenatal CareHeather ClementsNovember 10, 2022labor, labor support, labor doula, labor and delivery, pregnancy, birth, birth doula, birth partner, hospital birth, midwife

How to Prepare for Labor Day

Labor Day weekend is here and some folks have been preparing to travel to squeeze in one last beach or lake trip, preparing to host a cookout for family and friends, or just preparing to have a nice long weekend at home. We thought Labor Day weekend was a great time to talk about preparing for your very own Labor and Birthing Day!

There are 4 main things to consider when preparing for labor and birth: think about the birth experience you’d like to have, choosing a care provider, educating yourself, and hiring a doula!

Birth Doulas, Birthing Partner, Childbirth Education, Doulas, Labor, PregnancyHeather ClementsSeptember 2, 2022pregnancy, labor, labor doula, doula, birth, birth partner, birth center, hospital birth

Ready to Become an Induction Expert? Learn the Common Ways to Medically Induce Labor

Maybe you’re 42 weeks pregnant. Maybe your blood pressure keeps creeping up. Maybe you will have less anxiety if you have a date on the calendar. Regardless of the reason, you may be thinking about scheduling an induction date for your baby. If your care provider is discussing the possibility of an induction with you and you are feeling a bit overwhelmed with the idea, check out this post where we break down the most common methods of medical induction.

Childbirth Education, Inductions, Labor, PregancyHeather ClementsFebruary 22, 2021pregnancy, induction, birth, pitocin, hospital birth, labor and delivery

Birth Guidelines During COVID-19

Read this post to find the latest labor and delivery guidelines for birthing in Triangle-area hospitals and birth centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Birth Doulas, Doulas, Labor, PregnancyHeather ClementsMay 26, 2020birth, labor, labor support, hospital birth, birthing center birth, COVID-19, pandemic, pregnancy

Cesarean Birth: 5 Tips for Recovery

1 in 3 births in the United States are Cesarean births. If your birth is one of them, check out our Top 5 Tips for Recovery.

Comfort Measures, Doulas, New Parents, Postpartum Doulas, Postpartum Recovery, Self-care, SleepHeather ClementsApril 23, 2018Cesarean Birth, Cesarean Awareness Month, postpartum recovery, postpartum doula, newborn, hospital birth

Everything But the Kitchen Sink

Are you overwhelmed with the thought of packing your hospital bag? We've got you covered with a simple packing list for the laboring person, support person, and the baby.