Your doula will...
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provide emotional, physical and informational support
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use comfort measures and coping practices to support you in labour and birth
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provide you with evidence-based information
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continuously reassure, support, and comfort you during labour, birth, and immediate postpartum
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help you become informed about the risks and benefits of various birth options
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help you to achieve your birth preferences by empowering you prenatally, and helping to facilitate communication between you and your care providers
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look after your partner during labour, allowing them to recharge and rest when needed
Your doula will not...
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perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams, blood pressure, or fetal heart monitoring
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speak on your behalf to your care provider or hospital staff
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make decisions for you
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give medical advice or diagnose conditions
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judge you for decisions that you make
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pressure you into making any decisions
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take over the role of your partner
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deliver your baby
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discriminate based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, marital status