By Eden Riphenburg

I am a high school junior and a certified doula. With a passion for helping others, I believe the process of labor and childbirth is a very special time meant to be forever cherished. I help create a comfortable and fulfilling experience by guiding a pregnant parent and support person/people through this emotional and exciting time.

Going through labor is one of the most challenging things a person can do. A birth doula can make the experience much more gratifying for everyone by sharing their knowledge and assistance before, during and after labor.

A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a pregnant person, before, during, and after childbirth.

A doula is different from a nurse, doctor or midwife, in that a doula remains with the laboring person every step of the way, focusing on them and their needs. A doula can provide anything from physical and emotional support, to running errands and doing household chores. One of the most important jobs as a doula is to care for the laboring person, to make sure they are comfortable and their needs are being met.

While it may seem as though the doula takes over the role of the support person, they do not. Often times, people are unsure how to aid their loved one through labor, and they end up feeling panicked, inadequate or upset. Rather than taking the place of a partner, friend, or family member, the doula encourages the support person to play an active role in labor that is within their comfort level. By showing the supporting person how to help, the pair can easily bond while the support person feels confident in caring for their loved one. This way, everybody feels better about the experience.

I believe that the process of labor and birth is an amazing time in a person’s life, and I want to embrace it. As a birth doula, it is my mission is to make the experience of labor as satisfying as possible. By using my knowledge, compassion and a variety of techniques, I am able to individualize care and help create a unique experience to be cherished forever.

Email address: edeniriphenburg@gmail.com, website: www.edenthedoula.com.