We are very excited to have a labor doula working with us.  We started to discuss this option a few weeks ago when we began to consider the unlikely event that Bill might miss part of the labor (he was working in Salt Lake City during the week but I’m happy to say that now he’s home for awhile!).  The woman who I see for weekly acupuncture treatments is a young mom and doula and after talking with her we decided that hiring Monica as our labor doula was a good option for us. 

A labor doula is someone who provides non-medical support during labor and childbirth and the postpartum period.  We were originally conflicted about this option because Bill is fully prepared and excited to be my support person, but a doula works with the support person and is not there to replace them.  Monica Mae Leibson will also perform acupuncture and acupressure to assist with pain and the natural progression of labor.  We are encouraged by statistics that show a reduced use of medication during labor and reduced c-section rate with the support of an acupuncture doula, and are trying to do everything we can to make a successful VBAC possible.