12. What are the benefits of hiring a birth keeper?
Studies show that non-medical, non-judgmental support in the birthing time is one of the most significant factors determining fewer cesarean births, the avoidance of medically unnecessary interventions, and greater satisfaction of the birthing person. This fact increases for BIPOC births.
Not only that, but most partners tell us that having a birth keeper helped them indeed be present and supportive of the birthing woman, enabling them to be involved in the birth process rather than just a bystander.
13. What services does a birth keeper provide?
Birth Keeper services include, but may not be limited to…
Prenatal Visits: meet your doula(s), build trust, and prepare together as you clarify your vision, goals, choices, and options in your birth plan creation; also discuss what to expect, and practice comfort measures
Labour and birth support: professional, physical, emotional and informational support and care, wherever you are, continuous from the moment you ask us to join you, including early postpartum care and help with the baby’s first feed
Phone and email support: 24/7 phone call, text, and email support starting at contract signing, continuing through the first two weeks post-birth, for all your questions, resource needs, check-ins
End of life support (Grief Support): During this time your support will be there as a emotional and preparation system. To either be present in the room for an abortion, help you through the passing or birth of a miscarriage or stillborn fetus or other losses. No matter the situation compassion, love and gentleness is mandatory.
Photos and announcements: capture fleeting moments and keep tender memories with digital glimpses from the first hours after birth, as circumstances permit.
14. What services does a birth keeper NOT provide?
Birth Keeper typically does not perform medical or clinical tasks, such as exams or monitoring. They do not diagnose any medical conditions or provide medical advice. Birth Keepers do not speak for you but do empower you to be informed in your decision-making during your labour and birth experience.
15. Why are birth outcomes better with birth keepers present?
Multiple randomised control studies have found that the presence of a trained Birth Keepers benefits both mother and baby/babies. These studies have consistently shown that Birth Keepers care is associated with shorter labours, less use of epidurals and other pain medications, lower episiotomy rates, and as much as a 50% reduction in the C-section rate. (That’s huge!)
These numbers are significantly higher for BIPOC birthing people. Research has also shown better clinical outcomes for both the mother and the baby, including fewer neonatal special care units admissions, higher breastfeeding rates, and more effective family bonding. A Birth Keeper also provides care for the mother’s partner and other family members, assists busy hospital staff, and dramatically increases a mother’s overall satisfaction with her birthing experience.
16. Can a Birth Keepers help if I get an epidural?
Yes. A Birth Keepers presence is helpful during early labour and even during the epidural placement process. She then continues to care for you and your family, offering emotional and informational support and helping you understand what is happening at each stage. Then, when it’s time for baby to debut, your Birth Keepers assistance can be invaluable as she can help you cope with contractions and pushing, as well as the first feeding of your new baby.
17. Can Birth Keepers attend c-section births?
Yes, if you have a C-section, you can still use your Birth Keepers support. Each facility is different, and we’ll need to check for policies, however Birth Keepers are typically allowed in the operating room, but sometimes there are restrictions on the number of people allowed into the OR, depending on the health of the mother and baby and the wishes of the medical staff. Even if your Birth Keeper is not allowed into the OR for the birth itself, she will still be there for you in the recovery room.
18. Does a Birth Keeper replace a father or partner?
A Birth Keeper doesn’t replace anyone. She is a member of the birth team and supports everyone in their own role, including fathers and partners. A Birth Keepers presence helps fathers or partners participate at their own comfort level, showing them how and when to use various comfort techniques, providing information, and in some cases, caring for their needs (for rest, food, coffee, etc.) as well. Partners are often grateful to share the “coaching” responsibility with someone more experienced and can therefore enjoy and participate in the birth experience more.
Blissful Births & Connections 