BIRTH
BASICS
BASICS
This is the name of the process the body goes through to push a baby out.
WHAT "IS LABOR?"
Labor is the body’s natural process of preparing for and delivering a baby.
True or False: You must give birth lying flat on your back.
WHAT IS FALSE?
There are many safe and effective birth positions, including upright or side-lying.
This type of professional offers physical, emotional, and informational support to people during pregnancy, birth, and immediately postpartum, without performing clinical tasks.
WHAT IS A DOULA?
Doulas provide continuous, non-medical care to support birthing people and their families.
This thick, golden “first milk” is packed with nutrients and antibodies and is produced in the first few days after birth.
WHAT IS COLOSTRUM?
Colostrum helps build your baby’s immune system and prepares their digestive system for life outside the womb.
This type of doula provides support with infant care, household needs, and emotional well-being after the baby is born.
WHAT IS A POSTPARTUM DOULA?
Postpartum doulas help ease the transition into new parenthood with hands-on, compassionate care.
This is the average length of a full-term pregnancy.
WHAT IS 40 WEEKS?
A full-term pregnancy is typically 37 to 42 weeks, with 40 weeks being the standard average.
True or False: You can’t eat anything during labor.
WHAT IS FALSE?
Light foods and lots of fluids are usually safe in early labor.
In addition to home births, and birth centers, This is another setting where a doula can provide labor & birth support.
WHAT IS A HOSPITAL?
Doulas support clients wherever they give birth, including hospital environments.
Newborns typically need to feed about this many times in a 24-hour period.
WHAT IS 8-12 TIMES?
Frequent feeding supports healthy growth and milk supply establishment.
This is the typical length of time considered for the initial postpartum recovery period.
WHAT IS SIX WEEKS?
While six weeks is the standard clinical timeline, full recovery takes much longer.
This hormone causes contractions during labor.
WHAT IS OXYTOCIN?
Oxytocin is a key hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and bonding.
True or False: Your water always breaks in a big dramatic gush.
WHAT IS FALSE?
For many people, it leaks slowly or breaks during active labor.
Research shows that having a doula present can reduce the likelihood of this major surgical birth procedure.
WHAT IS A CESAREAN SECTION (C-SECTION)?
Doulas help reduce interventions and improve satisfaction with the birth experience.
This is the term for feeding your baby by removing milk from the breast (by hand or with a tool),and saving it for later use.
WHAT IS PUMPING OR EXPRESSING?
Expressing allows caregivers to store milk for future feedings or when away from baby.
This is one of the most common mental health conditions that can occur in the postpartum period.
WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
PPD affects mood, bonding, and daily functioning—and support is available.
This is it called when the water breaks before labor begins.
WHAT IS PREMATURE RUPTURE OF THE MEMBRANES (PROM)?
PROM is when the amniotic sac breaks before labor starts, which may lead to labor induction.
True or False: Epidurals always stop all pain.
WHAT IS FALSE?
Epidurals can reduce pain significantly, but they may not eliminate all sensation.
This is one key support type IS NOT a part of doula care but, falls under the scope of practice for a midwife.
WHAT IS MEDICAL SUPPORT?
Midwives are clinical/medical providers, while doulas focus on emotional and physical support.
These are three common feeding cues newborns show before crying.
WHAT ARE ROOTING, SUCKING ON HANDS/FINGERS, AND LIP SMACKING?
Responding early to feeding cues can make feeding more successful and less stressful.
This term refers to the normal vaginal bleeding and discharge that occurs after giving birth.
WHAT IS LOCHIA?
Lochia includes blood, tissue, and mucus and can last for several weeks postpartum.
These are the three stages of labor.
WHAT ARE EARLY LABOR, ACTIVE LABOR, & PUSHING (DELIVERY)?
Labor progresses in stages, each with its own signs and timing.
True or False: Labor starts the same way for everyone.
WHAT IS FALSE?
Every labor is different—some start with contractions, others with water breaking.
This is one major benefit of continuous labor support from a doula.
What is shorter labor, greater satisfaction, or improved birth outcomes?
Doulas provide uninterrupted support, which improves the overall birth experience for many families.
This method of bonding and regulating baby’s temperature and heart rate is often used right after birth and supports early breastfeeding.
WHAT IS SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTAT?
Skin-to-skin has proven benefits for calming the baby, stabilizing vital signs, and encouraging feeding reflexes.
These three types of support can be critical for postpartum healing and well-being.
WHAT ARE PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT?
Comprehensive postpartum care looks beyond medical needs to include rest, nourishment, connection, and validation.