Join us as we chat with two Black Doulas, SoCal-based Chandler Garrett and Bay Area-based Mish Akoro, about labor support. Including virtual care!

Terms:

Doula:  A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, manage pain during delivery, and assist with breastfeeding/lactation needs. 

Doula Training International (DTI):  Provides doula trainings online and in person, which certify birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and full spectrum doulas.

Doulas Of North America (DONA):  Founded in 1992, the organization both trains and certifies the non-medical birth support of doulas.

Hypnobirthing:  aims to help a woman deal with any fear or anxiety she may have around birth. It involves various relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to help relax the body before and during labor and birth.

Birth Plan:  a written summary of your preferences for when you are in labor and giving birth. It includes things like what position you want to give birth in, what pain relief you prefer (if you need it), and who you would like to be with you at the birth.