An acu-doula is an individual that combines traditional birth doula services with acupuncture treatments to create a safe and natural approach to labor and delivery. To support the pregnancy and birthing journey, expecting mothers and birthing parents can find guidance and care through the use of birth doula services. Doulas work with the mother or carrying parent and their partner by helping them establish a birthing plan. A doula is a devoted member of the birthing team and advocates for the health and wellness of the parent and their child. Advocacy includes ensuring that the parent’s desires and needs are being met during their birthing experience while prioritizing the health of the parent and baby.
Doulas provide a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to labor and delivery by focusing on emotional support, physical care, and comfort. Serving as a resource for the birthing experience, doulas provide informational and practical support to help parents make informed decisions. Doulas discuss medical and hospital procedures and facilitate communication between the mother or birthing parent, their partner, and clinical care providers, and doulas support the birthing parent during necessary medical interventions such as inductions and c-sections.
A doula’s role extends beyond birth planning and is also intertwined with the birthing experience itself. During labor and delivery, doulas offer pain relief techniques including body positioning, movement, breathing, massages, and other practices to promote relaxation and an acu-doula can provide acupuncture and acupressure treatments to safely support labor.