Claire Stivers
My Philosophy
Every birth experience is different and there are many ways to give birth. My job as a doula is to be there to provide support, hold space, help to educate, and support mom and partner during the birth experience. I have a strong background in science but also believe wholly in the mind body connection, allowing me to provide a wide range of both scientific and holistic support. I believe in the female body to birth and will help you have the most positive and rewarding birth experience as possible.
What do Doulas do?
from the DONA International website
Physical Support
Position ideas for comfort and labor progression cross over with hands-on comfort measures like comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques and other “doula magic” for families. A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help a malpositioned baby find its way through the pelvis and into the birthing parent’s arms.
Emotional Support
Doulas help families to feel supported, easing the emotional experience of birth and also helping to create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best. Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, every family can benefit from nurturing and connection at this tender, incredible time in their lives.
Partner Support
Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend or another family member like the baby’s grandma, the birth partner’s experience matters in birth. Our doulas are there to support every birth partner in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. Physical and emotional support make a huge difference for everyone involved.
Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy
Doulas are trained to help families connect with evidence-based resources so they can ask great questions and make informed decisions about their births. Doulas serve as a bridge of communication between women and their providers, lifting them up to help them find their voices and advocate for the very best care.
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25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
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8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
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10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
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Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
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38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
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31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff