What does a labor doula do?
As a labor doula I am available to the pregnant woman and her spouse. Both of you are having a baby and both of you might have questions and need support. As a labor doula I educate you so you are well-informed during labor and therefore have the confidence to make the best decisions for you and your baby. I assist you during active labor to help ensure a satisfying birth experience by drawing on education and personal experience to provide emotional support and physical comfort. Often suggestions of positioning, and other techniques enhance comfort and labor progression and help you to relax. As a licensed massage therapist I know many techniques to help you get through labor. After delivery I help with breastfeeding to help you get a good start. I can teach you many nursing positions and "tricks" of nursing. As an independent and self-employed doula, I work for you, not your caregiver or hospital and I am available to you by phone for questions throughout your pregnancy and after you've given birth.

I want a labor doula but my partner wants to be my support?
Your partner is your support. However, he you both are having a baby and you both need support. It is not fair to expect that he can answer all your questions (he will have some of his own), navigate your care (unless he has attended many births before), and be totally focused on supporting you. I support you and your partner so that you both can get down to the business of giving birth.

Won't my doctor or midwife answer all my questions?
They sure will try, but know this: In most settings you see your doctor every few hours. I am with you all the time and can answer questions as they come up. If you are in a hospital or birth center, your midwife won't be with you all the time either. In a home birth, I arrive before the midwife. And, believe me, in a home birth there is more than enough work for everyone!

What does your fee include?
Approximately 1 month before your due date I am available to you by phone at all times until labor begins. This means that I sleep with my phone, and do not travel more than 1.5 hours away. I arrive during active labor, while contractions are steady and manageable. I stay with you through the delivery. I help you get started breastfeeding and I leave you once every one is comfortable. I am available to you by phone the week following birth and I visit you to give more tips and instruction once you are home and settled. Payment is due in full before I am on call.

I attend births in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens
Hospital, Birth Center and Home births - From drug free vaginal deliveries to prescheduled c-sections. I've been to them all and have worked in all settings. I am comfortable being there for you and helping you interact with your caregiver without being invasive in the labor setting.

During your entire pregnancy and the weeks following labor The Providence Day Spa offers many services: Prenatal Packages

Providence Hogan, LMT and Labor Doula
Providence Hogan attended her first labor 15 years ago and has attended over 30 births. After the birth of her daughter Providence took a few years off to focus on her family and growth of The Providence Day Spa. As a licensed massage therapist who has worked on over 2000 pregnant clients Providence has the experience it takes to help make this time in your life special, comfortable and even fun.

"The real key to a satisfying labor is in the participation of the parents to be and their ability to communicate with each other and their care takers. They also need to be able to relax knowing that they are making the best decisions for themselves and their baby. Just knowing that someone is there to help answer all their questions as they have them and has all the time in the world for them is a real gift."

In order to meet Prov for an interview:
1) Call the spa for a free consultation.
2) Come in for a pre-natal massage and request Providence. This way you can get to know her in a relaxing and warm environment.