What does a birthing person need during labor?

Simplicity and a safe space!

Facilitating communication between the parents and care providers.

Teaching the birthing person and partner positive communication techniques.

If a birthing person is not aware that a provider is about to perform an intervention, the doula could point out what it appears the nurse or physician is about to do, and ask the birthing person if they have any questions about what is about to happen. For example, if it looks like the provider is about to perform an episiotomy without the person’s consent: “Dr. Smith has scissors in his hand. Do you have any questions about what he is wanting to do with the scissors?”