Birth in a hospital is far more of a busy experience than a home birth is.  You have bright lights, loud voices, you have many strangers coming in and out of the birth room throughout the labor - and you're also alone much of the time!!! As you begin to "push" your baby out you will likely have a crowd of people in your room watching and telling you to push.  If you are serious about having a natural birth at all, doula support becomes very important.  A doula can help you find a doctor who will respect your wishes, help you make a birth plan that is to the point and not offensive, she can help your partner stay involved in the process, and she adds a HUGE sense of calm and peacefulness in a situation that tends to feel like a roller-coaster!  Every aspect of doula support becomes far more meaningful and important in a hospital setting.  Your doula will quickly become your life-line in a very special way.

Just by being with you a doula can reduce your labor time in the hospital, she can reduce your need for pain management and other medical interventions. (see, medical benefits page)

How?  Please see the FIGHT or FLIGHT page!