MARSHALL LAUNCHES LABOR SUPPORT PROGRAM

Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a woman's life. But the process of giving birth can be overwhelming. In addition to the expert medical care from Marshall Birth Center's team of doctors and nurses, we now offer practical and emotional help through labor support volunteers.

“Research shows that women who use labor support are less likely to have a cesarean birth, or need medication for pain and to speed labor,” says Mary Ann Gulutz, MSN, RNC, NE-BC, Director of the Marshall Birth Center. Those who have labor support also experience breastfeeding success and are more likely to have a positive birth experience.

Marshall’s Labor Support Team provides:

• Emotional Support - Volunteers help you feel cared for and encourage you during your labor. Labor support volunteers are trained to nurture you and your partner for a more satisfying birth experience.
• Physical Support - Labor Support provide hands-on comfort measures like comforting touch and massage, counter pressure, breathing techniques, cold or warm compresses, and aromatherapy. They assist with productive labor positioning ideas, use of the birth ball and shower or bath for comfort and labor progression.
• Support for Fathers, Partners, Family - Marshall’s Labor Support provides support to your partner and family too. They help them be as involved in the birth as much as they (and you) would like. Partners, fathers and family are an integral part of the birth and benefit from support too.

Labor Support is provided for any woman giving birth at Marshall and is free of charge. There is a team of Labor Support Volunteers on call to assist with your birth. They are available on a first come, first served basis.