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All About Doulas

What is a Doula?
Why hire a Doula?
Choosing a Doula
Partners and Doulas
Writing a birth plan
Choosing a caregiver
Questions for your caregiver
Choosing a place of birth
Choosing a childbirth class
What else do I need?
   
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All About Doulas - What else do I need?

I've got a doula -- what else do I need to prepare for my birth?

There are a few key ingredients that can help cook up the most satisfying birth. A doula is a great start, and she can help you work through what you want for the other parts.

A supportive caregiver

It is important that the caregiver you choose has a philosophy towards birth that you are comfortable with. There are two basic styles of care in pregnancy and birth. To help you identify the style of your caregiver  there is information on the page for choosing a caregiver and questions to ask your caregiver.

Writing a birth plan

How do you write a birth plan that actually works? Often you will hear women say they had a birth plan but everything they wanted went out the window once labor actually started and it was of no use whatsoever. Understanding what to put in a birth plan, which language helps to have the birth plan followed and what to do if things do not go to plan are all covered in the birth plan section.

Where is the right place to birth for you?

Trying to decide where you want to have your baby? Hospital, birth centre, or home? We'll help you sort out what is the right choice for your family. Identify the issues that are important to you, think about where you will feel safest giving birth to your baby and then choose the environment that is right for you.

Choose a good childbirth class

There are many different styles to teaching childbirth classes. Read the tips for finding a good class near you. Check out our online childbirth class for an interactive, fun childbirth class that you can take from the comfort of your own home.

 

 
Putting it all together
 

A doula is one part of the equation for getting the birth you want. All members of your birth team will be there to help and support you.

 

The most important component though is you. Only you can decide what you want, and what you are prepared to do to make it happen. Ultimately, nobody else can make decisions for you. Remember that this is your birth - make it special!

 

 


 

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