What is a Family Birth Attendant?

A Family Birth Attendant (FBA) is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides support to the child birthing family throughout pregnancy, birth and immediately postpartum. Often referred to as doulas, childbirth assistants, labor support professionals, and birth companions, the Family Birth Attendant is dedicated to the birthing family as an advocate for a natural, normal and healthy prenancy and birth.

What does a Family Birth Attendant provide to the birthing family?

During pregnancy:

• physical, emotional and informational support to help make pregnancy comfortable
• information on birth preparation, including childbirth education, feeding and caring for the newborn
• assistance in developing a realistic and flexible birth plan
• information on medical procedures, protocols and interventions
• support of the process as normal, natural and healthy
• guidance for the partner and family to facilitate support for the birthing woman

During birth:

• on-site physical, emotional and informational support to facilitate the most positive outcome of the birthing process for the family
• explanations of medical procedures as they occur
• massage, positioning, relaxation techniques, non-pharmacological pain relief measures
• written and photographic record of the birth, as requested
• support for the partner and family to encourage the birthing woman
• support of the birth plan

Immediate postpartum:

• support and assistance for family bonding with the newborn
• explanation of medical procedures as they occur
• assistance with breastfeeding and newborn care
• written and photographic record of the newborn

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