Doula 101
What does the word “doula” mean?
What is “a woman who serves” or a trained companion who supports before, during, and after childbirth?
What is the average length of early labor?
What is 6–12 hours?
What tool might you use for massage during contractions?
What is a tennis ball or massage tool?
What is the “BRAIN” acronym used for?
What is decision-making during labor?
Your client is panicking in early labor. What do you do?
What is offer calming techniques, grounding, and reassurance?
True or False: Doulas give medical advice to their clients.
What is False?
What hormone is known as the “love hormone” that supports labor progress?
What is oxytocin?
What is a rebozo used for?
What is providing comfort, shifting baby positions, or relaxation techniques?
Name a grounding technique for managing anxiety
What is 5-4-3-2-1 or deep breathing?
You see a nurse dismiss a birthing person’s request. How might you respond?
What is support the client in restating their needs or ask if they’d like to reframe their request?
What are the three main types of doulas?
What are birth, postpartum, and full-spectrum doulas?
What are the stages of labor? (5)
What are early, active, transition, second stage (pushing), and third stage (placenta)
Which item helps block out light and promote calm in a birth space?
What are eye masks or dim lighting?
What is reflective listening?
What is repeating back what someone said to show understanding?
Your client wants an unmedicated birth but is asking for the epidural in transition. What do you say?
What is remind them of their goals while supporting their choice without judgment?
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
What is that a doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support, while a midwife provides clinical care?
What does “station” refer to in labor?
What is the position of the baby’s head in the pelvis?
Name two apps or tools you might use for timing contractions.
What are contraction timer apps like Full Term or Bloom?
How do you support a partner who feels helpless?
What is guide them with suggestions, reassure, and involve them?
The partner is overwhelmed and in the way of medical staff. What do you do?
What is gently guide them to a supportive role or space while staying calm?
How does evidence show doulas impact birth outcomes? (4)
What is lower cesarean rates, shorter labor, fewer interventions, and higher satisfaction?
What position may help rotate a posterior baby?
What is hands and knees, lunges, or pelvic tilts?
How can aromatherapy support a birthing person?
What is reducing anxiety, easing nausea, or enhancing relaxation?
What’s one sign a birthing person might need emotional reassurance over physical help?
What is crying, saying “I can’t do this,” or withdrawing?
Your client’s mom is in the room, giving unsolicited advice and making the client visibly tense. The client hasn’t said anything. What do you do?
What is check in privately with the client, ask how they feel, and support them in setting boundaries if needed while keeping the focus on their comfort and choices?