"Doula" is a word used to describe a person who provides physical and emotional support to a pregnant mother and her partner before, during and after labor. This kind of support includes, but is not limited to: -Discussion and visualization about the birth experience -Exchange of information and resources relevant to mother's concerns -Recommendations and physical support for labor positions and comfort -Massage, ambiance, and aesthetic qualities of birthing environment As a doula, I give you the support you need from the onset of labor to the moments leading into delivery. I have information about positioning, massage, and acupressure that can help support your labor process. I ultimately trust that your body will use this information to do what it needs to do--deliver your baby--and I ask that you trust in this process with me. Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter, with fewer complications, and babies are healthier and breastfeed more easily. I was trained in 2013 by Therese Hak-Kuhn with the toLabor organization. Here are the toLabor birth doula beliefs: I believe that all women benefit from support and resources that will help them be aware of, and educated about, the options and choices that are available so that they may make informed decisions concerning their birth experience. I embrace the evidence that a woman who actively participates in her birth will have a healthier birth for her baby, herself and her family; physically and emotionally. I believe that in every birth, there is room for compassion and respect for the process. I believe this a civil right, a human right.