Episode 153: Stay or Go: Supporting Labor

Doulas of the Roundtable

There are many ways of supporting labor clients as a doula. Doulas provide continuous support during labor. But what happens when a doula steps away while their client is still in labor? There is a lot of nuance to the decision-making process behind leaving a birth temporarily and returning later. Sometimes, stepping away might be appropriate, allowing the doula to balance the client's needs with their own. This can be especially true during an induction of labor, where the process may take days. However, some challenges may present themselves when a doula isn’t at the bedside, from the potential gaps in hands-on comfort measures to the lack of immediate informational support. Join us as we share our insights on navigating these situations with professionalism and care, ensuring the client feels supported and empowered, even during temporary absences. This is a must-listen for doulas looking to handle these complex situations with grace and clarity!