How European Midwifery Techniques Enhance Natural Birth Experiences
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A German-trained midwife explains how her clinical background strengthens her doula work in New York City. A doula serves as a non‑medical advocate, massage therapist, coach, and guide—supporting decision‑making, movement, breathing techniques, and positioning. By blending European midwifery techniques with doula care, clients receive practical tools to manage contractions whether they use medication or choose a natural birth. Strategies like focused breathing, TENS, and effective positioning help people navigate each phase of labor and make informed choices.
Midwife: A trained professional specializing in pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum care.
Doula: A non‑medical support person who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and birth.
European midwifery techniques: Hands‑on, non‑medical methods used by midwives and doulas to ease labor, support comfort, and help progress—such as breathing, positioning, and simple tools.
Contractions: The tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle that helps open the cervix and move the baby down during labor.
Natural birth: Birth without pain‑relief medication or medical interventions, focusing on comfort measures like breathing and positioning.
Breathing techniques: Guided breathing patterns used to cope with labor sensations and promote relaxation.
Positioning: Using different body positions and movement during labor to improve comfort and help labor progress.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): A small device that sends mild electrical pulses through pads on the skin to help manage labor discomfort.