Text Box: Labor is defined as physical or mental work of a hard or fatiguing nature. It is also the proper name of a process in which the uterus contracts and the cervix dilates. Both of these definitions comprise the long, arduous task of childbirth. As defined by the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), a doula or labor assistant is: a person with specialized knowledge who understands and trusts the process of birth, who respects its transcendent and sacred aspects as well as its physical and emotional aspects, and who supports, eases, empowers and facilitates the birth experience for the parents, baby and primary care providers supports and encourages woman-centered, non-technical, unmedicated birth as the safest possible choice for mothers and babies Provides continuity of care prenatally and through the postpartum period consisting of: emotional support, informational support, physical support and advocacy. A doula will provide you and your family with continuous emotional, physical and informational support. A doula is a hired assistant who is not as emotionally involved as your partner/family members, she is there to serve your needs during the birth process. A doula will not take away from the support, love or attention that your partner provides, she will enhance it. Birth is special and all women deserve support and encouragement, someone who believes you have the strength to go through this wonderful ritual of birthing. Through education, support and action you can have a wonderful, positive and empowering birth experience. My services can be tailored to your needs, and I am open to any opportunity to support a woman through childbirth— whatever choices she makes. There truly is nothing to fear about labor and giving birth, but if this is your first pregnancy, or your last birth did not go as you wanted it to, you may have some concerns. My job is to support you, provide resources, educate and answer questions so that you can let go of these fears, doubts and discomforts. Whether you plan to birth at home, in the hospital , with a MD or a midwife, a doula can take steps to make birth easier for all those involved, help you take back your voice and be an active participant in this amazing experience. Prenatal discussions will cover questions such as: What are your concerns or fears regarding pregnancy, labor, birth and afterwards? Do you know what options are available to you regarding labor and delivery? What role does your partner/family feel comfortable taking, and do they have concerns? What was your past birth experience like? What is your vision for this birth? Do you feel knowledgeable and comfortable with breastfeeding? Will you need help after the birth to ease transition into parenthood?