Compassionate doula care
Our doulas support you through the transformative experience of childbirth.
At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, we are proud to offer birth doulas as part of our labor and delivery services. Working with you to create a birth plan that prioritizes your and your baby's health, we strive to give you the confidence to voice your needs.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Our doula services
Our team recognizes that birth is a key experience you will remember for the rest of your life. We are honored to provide guidance and care.
Hospital-based doula support
Doulas are trained, experienced professionals who provides physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum periods.
Families have an opportunity to meet our doula team during our monthly doula teas. If you are interested in having a doula support you during your pregnancy, please call (603) 559-4172.
Insurance companies may reimburse for doula services. Call your provider to inquire.
Prenatal doula support
You and your labor partner will have one prenatal visit with your doula. This will allow both of you and your doula to discuss any plans that you may have for your stay in the hospital. We will also discuss your vision for childbirth and help you incorporate our services into your birth plan. Our doulas offer support during prenatal care regardless of how you choose to bring your baby into this world.
During and after childbirth
When you are in labor, your doula meets you in the hospital during the admission process and accompanies you to your room. As a vital member of the team, our doulas are able to support you by:
- Acting as an advocate for you, your baby and your partner
- Creating a calm environment for laboring, incorporating aromatherapy and music
- Facilitating skin-to-skin contact immediately after a healthy birth
- Providing emotional support and comfort measures during labor and delivery
- Providing nonmedical pain and stress management tools including massage, mindful breathing and visualization
Your doula will visit you in recovery and offer a postpartum visit, which includes feeding methods and discharge planning.
Doula support during Cesarean section (C-section)
If you know you will be delivering by C-section, you can benefit from using a doula. We will meet you in the hospital during the admission process and will accompany you into the operating room for the delivery once you are in active labor. Your doula stays with you for your entire labor and delivery, including the two hours of recovery following your child's birth. During this time, your doula will assist in maintaining your comfort as well as facilitating skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
A birth doula story
Learn more about our doula program and how these certified specialists can support you before, during and after childbirth.