Labor doulas provide different types of support to pregnant people during the various stages of pregnancy such as the prenatal period, labor, and delivery. This can include:

• Physical support — like labor and pushing positions, massage, and breathwork.

• Educational support — like childbirth education, referrals to resources and services, sharing information.

• Nonjudgmental emotional support — like listening and encouragement.

A postpartum doula is a professional trained to work with a new mother through the period after birth. The postpartum period, sometimes called the fourth trimester, is the first 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. A birth doula supports you during labor and delivery, but a postpartum doula lends a hand and offers knowledge and support once you bring your baby home.

.

• Placental encapsulation is the practice of ingesting the placenta after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground, and placed into vegan capsules. Traditionally, this is taken by the mother and is believed to support the postpartum period. Many mothers have reported placenta consumption helped with mood, energy and milk supply.

Childbirth classes give you a preview of what to expect when your baby is born. They typically cover the signs of labor, the types of pain management for labor, the stages of childbirth, possible childbirth complications (and how your medical team will handle them), and newborn care. There are many styles of birthing classes, so be sure to choose one that matches your childbirth philosophy. You and your partner can sign up for childbirth classes at a hospital or birthing center, or take an online birthing class at home.