DOULA SUPPORT
Briana Goldstrow, LMT
Services / Doula Support
What is a doula?
As a birth doula, I accompany people in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I have completed training approved by DONA International and have been working with babies and children for over 15 years.
I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, soothing touch, positioning and other techniques for comfort.
I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, soothing touch, positioning and other techniques for comfort.
What does doula support service include?
Before birth
We will meet at least once before labor to become acquainted, explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, discuss your optimal birth experience, and plan how we might best work together.
When you are in labor
I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right away or wait for further changes. I will arrive as soon as possible after we speak and decide if you are ready for me to join you. We will also decide where to meet (at your home, the hospital, or the birth center). Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
As a doula I DO NOT:
After birth
I will usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth, until you are comfortable, and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary. In the first few months, I like to meet again to see how you and your baby are doing, to review the birth, and to get feedback from you about your experience.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I can massage you during your labor. I also offer prenatal massage visits before labor as well as postnatal massage and infant massage after labor.
We will meet at least once before labor to become acquainted, explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, discuss your optimal birth experience, and plan how we might best work together.
When you are in labor
I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right away or wait for further changes. I will arrive as soon as possible after we speak and decide if you are ready for me to join you. We will also decide where to meet (at your home, the hospital, or the birth center). Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
As a doula I DO NOT:
- Perform any clinical tasks (such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc)
- Make decisions for you
After birth
I will usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth, until you are comfortable, and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary. In the first few months, I like to meet again to see how you and your baby are doing, to review the birth, and to get feedback from you about your experience.
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I can massage you during your labor. I also offer prenatal massage visits before labor as well as postnatal massage and infant massage after labor.