About Birth Companions

Doulas – or birth companions - support women before birth, during labor, and after the birth with their continuous presence and complementary interventions.  They provide emotional, informational, and physical support to women and serve as an advocate during the entire childbirth process.

The Birth Companions Program trains student nurses to serve in a doula role and accompany women and families during the childbirth process.

Before labor, Birth Companions will:

• meet with the woman (and her partner) to become acquainted, discuss priorities, explore any fears and concerns, and plan how they can work best as a team.
• help develop a personal Birth Plan, including preferences regarding pain management, coping with pain and fatigue, and interactions between the woman, partner and family members.

During labor, Birth Companions will:

• assist pregnant women in having a satisfying birth experience.
• advocate for the mother and support her decisions throughout the childbirth process.
• provide emotional support, physical comfort, and information women often need during labor.
• help with comfort techniques such as relaxation, massage and positioning.
• work only at the woman’s request. They are not employees of the medical staff or the hospital.
• provide their service free of charge.

Birth Companions will not:

• perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart monitoring, vaginal exams, or administer medications.
• make decisions for the mother and her family. Instead, they discuss concerns, suggest options, and get information necessary for the family to make informed decisions.