Pregnancy and Parenting Resources

Pregnancy and birth can be joyous, exhilarating, and even frightening. ALACE’s mission is to help all women give birth with confidence, strength, and joy by empowering and educating them and supporting them in their informed choices.

ALACE birth professionals – doulas and childbirth educators – share this mission and can help you to have the birth experience you and your partner and family want.

Please read further to find out why you should use an ALACE doula or childbirth educator when preparing for your birth. You can also go to FAQs to find answers to many of your questions.

What is a doula?

A doula, also referred to as a Labor Assistant, is an individual who offers one-on-one support for a woman in labor as well as her partner and family. ALACE doulas provide continuous, uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her partner, helping them participate fully in their experience by offering physical and emotional support and information about the birth process and their available options. Doulas also typically support pregnant women through portions of the prenatal and postpartum period.

Why hire a doula?

The presence of a doula can lead to a:

• 60% decrease in use of epidurals
• 50% decrease in cesarean sections
• 40% decrease in use of pitocin
• 30% decrease in use of pain medications (narcotics)
• 30% decrease in use of forceps

In addition, long-term benefits of labor support include:

• Improved breastfeeding
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Greater maternal satisfaction
• Better mother-infant interaction

(Information compiled from Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus; Addision Wesley Publishing Company, 1993).

Why hire an ALACE doula?

ALACE doulas are known for their trusting support of the natural birth process. ALACE doulas are trained using a program which incorporates research in psychology, sociology, and anthropologyóbut above all has been developed and guided principally by women. We respect birth as an intimate act and a creative expression of love. We believe that it is possible to help strengthen family bonds through improving the experience of birth.

Why attend an ALACE childbirth class?

ALACE certified childbirth educators (CBEs) seek to help all women experience birthís transforming power with respect and dignity, support, and confidence. CBEs empower women and their families to choose what is best for them by informing them of their options surrounding labor and birth. ALACE trained CBEs have a holistic perspective of birth, and view birth as a women-centered process. The educatorís goal is to help women reclaim trust in their ability to safely and dependably give birth.

Pregnancy and Parenting Resources
Helpful Pregnancy and Parenting Links
Networking Groups for Birth Professionals
Continuing Education Opportunities
Professional Childbirth Related Organizations
Websites for Birth Professionals
Magazines and Publications for Birth Professionals
Articles for Birth Professionals