She ended up having surgery anyway, but she said it was a good experience. There wasn't anything to cloud my ability to perceive things. That was a little scary for me, more scary for my husband. She said, No, this is just a physiological reaction. It's not a seizure.
Some doulas bring tapes or CDs of relaxing music, massage oils, and back-rubbing devices.
Black, Elam and Lowry each carry birthing balls, gigantic rubber balls that mothers can sit on, rock on or lean on to relieve pressure. Most doulas visit the mother's home at least once before the birth and are on call for two weeks before the due date. They also visit after the baby goes home. If the chemistry is right, they go from strangers to friends. It's such a life-changing experience.