This slideshow documents the importance of doulas in the labor and delivery room and the benefits of continuous labor support. It was created to specifically address the needs of continuity of care and collaboration between doulas and the medical professionals that care for birthing and laboring women.

1. The Role of the Doula in the Labor and Delivery Room Presented by New Beginnings Doula Training Rachel Leavitt RN, BSN, CD For more information on doula certification visit www.trainingdoulas.com

5. Guide

6. Assist

7. Support

8. Encouragement

9. Continuous support(this is something that nurses alone may or may not be able to provide)

11. She stays with the mom from the time labor starts(or starts and stops and starts:)) to a few hours after birth.

12. She usually meets with the mom before and after birth.

14. This may include taking the blood pressure, checking the cervix, giving medication

15. Diagnosis medical conditions

16. Pre-eclampsia, dystocia, failure to progress etc.

17. Determines the best medical decisions to make along with the client

19. obgynmorningrounds.com/blog/morning-rounds/3-101-chorioamnionitis/

22. Peppermint tea might be a good thing to offer at this point(sugar or honey can be added). This relaxes smooth muscles and aids in digestion. Peppermint oil may be used for a similar purpose.

23. If food is not allowed, clear liquids like jello, broth or popsicles may be offered.

25. what time she started

26. how much sleep she's had in the past 24 hours and the quality

27. does she look tired or exhausted

28. does she say she is sleepy or fatigued.

30. A foam pad may help the beds feel more comfortable for sleeping.

32. May want/need medication or epidural

34. ice chips or small sips of liquids, may help if you she has an iv bag or can't have fluids.

36. Different positioning like side-lying or reclining in a chair.

37. rocking or walking may help, but don't push it.

39. lavender, rose, or jasmine essential oils.

41. Wet washcloths to cool

42. Peppermint oi

43. Ice packs

44. Fans

46. Start some deep breathing exercises and visualizations before, during, and immediately after the exam.

47. Have her ball up her fists and place them behind her hips during the exam. This helps tilt the cervix closer.

49. Again, deep breathing can help before, during and after the procedure.

50. Afterward a warm or cold compress may be useful to decrease the pain.

52. Lavender oil

53. Deep breathing

54. Music therapy

58. Also discuss whether or not she wants outside distractions like the phone or computer network.

59. Help the spouse or significant other to feeling included in the birth process.

62. Before any procedure is done(ie vaginal exam, iv, medication), make sure she gives at least her verbal consent.

64. In current history, this is no longer true and is more the exception rather than the rule.

65. This particular review was done to look at the effects of continuous support versus the usual care.

66. They also wanted to look at what effects certain variables may have on continous support.

68. Less likely to have intrapartum analgesia

69. Less likely to report dissatisfaction

70. Labors were shorter

71. Less likely to have c-sections

72. Less likely to have instrumental deliveries

73. Less likely to have regional analgesia

74. Less likely to have a baby with low apgars.

76. When the labor support was not a part of the woman's social circle

77. In settings where epidural analgesia was not readily available.

79. “Support from a chosen family member or friend appears to increase woman's satisfaction with their childbearing experience.”

82. High rates of intervention

83. Unfamiliar personel

87. Helping to effectively use gravity

88. Supporting women in whatever position they choose

89. Recommending specific positions for specific situations

92. Information and advice

93. Comfort measures

94. advocacy