Doula Care
Victoria, a nervous first-time Spanish-speaking mother, found invaluable support when she was connected with a bilingual Healthy Start Doula. The language barrier had been one of Victoria’s biggest concern about childbirth, worrying she wouldn’t be able to communicate effectively with medical staff during labor. The Healthy Start Doula quickly put those fears to rest, helping Victoria create a birth plan and serving as her advocate throughout the process.
When Victoria’s father proudly gifted her a birth ball, the Healthy Start Doula used the opportunity to teach both Victoria various positions and techniques to manage labor discomfort, empowering her with practical knowledge. During Victoria’s challenging 24-hour labor, the Healthy Start Doula remained a constant presence, guiding her through different positions and helping translate her needs to the hospital staff. When Victoria became exhausted after eighteen hours, the Healthy Start Doula supported her decision to receive an epidural, reassuring her that seeking pain relief wasn’t a failure but rather an informed choice that would allow her to rest before pushing. This support freed Victoria from unnecessary guilt and helped her gather the strength she needed for the final stage of labor.
The result was a beautiful, full-term baby who arrived healthy and alert, weighing in at seven pounds, eight ounces. The Healthy Start Doula stayed for two hours after the birth, helping Victoria with her first breastfeeding session, where the baby successfully latched on. In the following weeks, the Doula continued her support with postpartum visits, providing resources and connecting Victoria with a Spanish-speaking services, ensuring that Victoria’s journey into motherhood began with confidence, knowledge, and community support!
