Based on what you need moment-to-moment, I can suggest position changes, offer counter pressure and massage, maintain a birth-conducive environment (dim lights, music, minimal chit-chat), and remind you of breathing or relaxation techniques.

Prenatally, we clarify your values or intentions around birth, identify specific fears or concerns, and calibrate realistic expectations about the emotional experience of labor. During labor, I help you focus on the work in front of you and provide reassurance and encouragement.

As you make decisions prenatally and as labor progresses, I help you understand your options, and I explain the evidence, benefits, and risks of common routines and procedures. During labor, I remind you of your birth preferences and help you figure out what questions to ask your medical team.

I suggest comfort measures, help them process what’s going on, offer emotional support, and provide “coverage” if they need to step away briefly.

I can ask you pointed questions in front of your medical team (e.g., “you mentioned you wanted to minimize cervical checks - is that right?”) or remind your partner of your wishes (“delayed cord clamping is important to her, and the baby is about to be born”).

• perform clinical or medical tasks (e.g., check blood pressure, temperature, your baby’s heart rate; conduct cervical exams; provide postpartum clinical care). 

• diagnose or treat in any modality.

• take over conversations between you and your medical team.

• make decisions for you.