05: It Takes a Village: Doulas

Ever wonder what a birth doula does?

Doulas can serve many roles in the pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey. This can include:

• Being a caretaker

• Serving as your advocate in a medical setting

• Keeping you company / being the antidote to isolation in pregnancy and childbirth

• Normalizing your experience

• Helping you feel supported every step of the way

It truly takes a village to support the pregnancy and birth process, as this week’s Trimester Bubble guest, Jennie Bingham, reminded us. She is a birth and postpartum doula and massage therapist based here in the “bubble” in Boulder, CO.

Birth doulas also help support a continuity of care, as you may or may not have the same medical team throughout your pregnancy and birth. They can adapt to your needs and play whatever role is needed, including being hands-on support during your delivery.

Bodywork is another crucial care practice for pregnancy. Between chiropractic care and massage, you can find relief from common pregnancy complaints like:

• Leg cramps

• Hip pain

• Anxiety and stress

• Neck and shoulder pain

• Mid and low back pain

Plus, receiving bodywork during pregnancy (by a qualified practitioner) can help you build body awareness for a more easeful pregnancy (posture, functional movement) and labor. 

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• What a doula is

• What a doula does

• The benefit of having a doula

• Prenatal vs regular massage

• The benefits of bodywork during pregnancy

• What a certified prenatal bodyworker is

• Sidelying vs belly-down massage

• Jennie’s favorite benefit of massage

• How to create ease in pregnancy

• Massage doula training with Jennie

Resources in this Episode:

• Pain-Free Pregnancy registration

• Body & Balance website

• Learn more about Dynamic Body Balancing

• DBB Website

• Nourishing Bodywork Website

Learn:

• Episode 3: Pregnancy 101: Back to Basics

• Breastfeeding and Chiropractic

• Amazing Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Babies

• The Six Signs of Subluxation During Pregnancy

Connect:

• Boulder Locals: Join our free, in-person Pain-Free Pregnancy community each quarter. Register here!

• Body & Balance: New patients start here

• About Dr Elyssa and Dr Katherine

• Connect with Body & Balance on Instagram

• Connect with Body & Balance on