birth partner — Blog — Doulas of Raleigh

I'm Scared I Won't Know When to Go to the Hospital

Sixteen years ago, my husband was speeding down the interstate trying to get me to the birth center. I remember gripping his hand and and yelling at him to go faster and not stop for anything. We had run to get into the car because our daughter was coming SOON. I had my nightgown on and no underwear….I really thought this baby was going to be born in our car. Long story short, I did make it to the birth center and she was born 30 minutes later. But what I wished I had done was head in to the birth center a couple of hours before. I wished I had had someone to tell me that it was time to go. Here's how you can learn from my mistakes!

Birth, Birth Doulas, Birthing Partner, Doulas, Hospital Birth, Labor, Pregnancy, PushingHeather ClementsOctober 10, 2024labor, labor support, birth, birth partner, doula, birth center, hospital birth, Doula, prodromal labor, contractions

Breathing Techniques During Labor

Breathing well is one of the best ways you can can help yourself cope with your labor contractions. There are many different ways to help you or your support team guide your breath. Take a look at our blog post for more details.

Birth Doulas, Birthing Partner, Comfort Measures, Doulas, Labor, Pregnancy, PushingHeather ClementsJanuary 26, 2023labor, labor support, pregnancy, doula, birth partner, birth doula, breathing, guided relaxation, guided breathing, rainbow breathing, box breathing

Tips for Your Induction

According to data from a 2018 study, nearly 42% of first time mothers were scheduled for an induction. Sometimes those inductions were medically necessary and sometimes the birthing person chose to schedule an elective induction. You may find yourself discussing and scheduling induction with your care provider for a number of reasons. Regardless of the reason, we have some tips to help your induction be a better experience for you and your partner.

Inductions, Labor, Labor Augmentation, PregnancyHeather ClementsDecember 2, 2022induction, early labor, active labor, pregnancy, labor, labor and delivery, labor doula, labor support, birth, birth partner

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

Ways to Augment Labor

In many cases labor progresses just fine on its own but sometimes there is a reason to augment, or enhance, labor. Augmentation of labor is different than induction of labor. Augmentation would happen after spontatneous labor is already underway. Take a look at this post to read about different ways to enhance labor.

Birth Doulas, Birthing Partner, Labor, PregnancyHeather ClementsAugust 19, 2022labor, labor support, labor and delivery, birth, birth partner, birth doula, labor doula

Supporting Dads in Labor

Father’s Day is just around the corner so we thought it was a great time to talk about how labor doulas support Dads/birth partners during labor. Doulas are not just for the laboring person! Check out all the ways a labor doula can support the dad-to-be!

Birth Doulas, Cesarean Birth, Doulas, Labor, Inductions, Pregancy, PushingHeather ClementsJune 3, 2022labor support, labor and delivery, Doulas, birth partner, pregnancy, emotional support, epidural birth, cesarean birth

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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!

Embrace your Journey with the Compassionate Support of Doulas of Raleigh!