Elizabeth Alger - Trained Birth Doula
I am not currently available to doula births at this time. I'm happy to talk with birthing women in the Augusta, GA and surrounding areas and recommend another doula in the area while I am taking a hiatus.
I was trained by Birth Arts International and have been to nearly 80 births since Spring 2011.
I believe that birth is not an illness and that women’s bodies are uniquely designed to birth well in most cases – provided they are surrounded by supportive people of their own choosing in a place where they are comfortable birthing – hospital or out-of-hospital. I will support you in your informed birthing decisions, assist with pain management, explain procedures and stages of labor both before and during birth, and listen to what you need at all times.
I do currently offer placental encapsulation after your baby is born.
The Benefits of Having a Doula:
*Women who are continuously supported by a birth doula through labor are:
*Women with doula support experience the following after the birth of their child:
*Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G J, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.
- 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
- 26% less likely to have a cesarean section
- 28% less likely to use any pain medications - epidural/spinal anesthetic and narcotic analgesia
- 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with their birth experience
*Women with doula support experience the following after the birth of their child:
- lower rates of infections and fever in the mother
- lower reported rates of postpartum depression and anxiety
- increased rates of breastfeeding
- a higher sensitivity to and awareness of her newborn
*Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G J, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.