A doula, also known as a birth companion, birth coach or post-birth supporter, is a non-medical companion who supports a birthing woman by providing continuous care before, during, or after childbirth in the form of information, physical support, and emotional support.
While the Midwife oftentimes assumes this role when necessary, adequate labor support can not be underestimated! Doulas of North America (DONA), has detailed information, frequently asked questions about doulas, and a database of registered doulas in your area.
Just as regular visits with your healthcare provider are important to keep you safe and healthy during your pregnancy, Childbirth Education is equally important in ensuring positive and satisfying birth outcomes. We strongly recommend that all women seeking an out of hospital or unmedicated birth, prepare for this by attending a comprehensive Childbirth Education class. There are many different options when choosing a method of instruction, so research and personal philosophy play a large role.
We recommend Hypnobirthing, Hynobabies, Bradley Method and Lamaze, because we have personally seen how well these techniques work in an unmedicated birth, however, any form of instruction that helps to prepare your body for “the big day” is great!
APB Midwifery strives to support and enhance breastfeeding relationships for all of our clients, however, there are times when we refer our families to Lactation Consultants. These highly trained professionals will be able to offer alternatives, guidance and education regarding breastfeeding, as well as make recommendations for more advanced care, if necessary.
For many women, not only is the perfect birth team essential, but so are the memories. It can be difficult for families to remember all the details of their labor and birth, and looking back on beautiful photos is one way to keep those memories alive forever. A professional birth photographer is a fantastic addition to your birth team, having worked with Midwives in all different settings, they are a seamless extension of your wishes.
The first postpartum year is an extremely important and sensitive time for all mothers. Regardless of whether or not this is your first baby or fifth, each postpartum experience can be vastly different. Our goal is to identify any risks for the development of postpartum depression within the antepartum period, but unfortunately sometimes PPD can be silent. Oftentimes, the first step to treating and managing depression is coordinating support from friends and family and seeking counseling. We only refer clients to Licensed Mental Health Counselors who have experience treating families and women with Postpartum Mood Disorders.
There are a multitude of services available to Central Florida families who may be in need of assistance of any kind. From helping with obtaining adequate food and nutrition to car seat safety to parenting classes, everyone can benefit from programs offered through the
Department of Children and Families.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care and community services at no cost to pregnant women and their children under age 5.
Healthy Start is a free home visiting program that provides education and care coordination to pregnant women and families of children under the age of three. The goal of the program is to lower risk factors associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, infant mortality and poor developmental outcomes.
Grace House Pregnancy Center provides free health services and counseling to those in need, with incentives to earn baby items through education.