Birth Companions: Perspectives on Doulas and Nurse Midwives in ASL and English

---

---

BC Home | About the Project | Ideas for Use | Useful Links | Hearing Doula | Appt with Doula - English | Deaf Doula | Appt with Doula - ASL | Hearing Nurse Midwife | Credits

---

Perspectives from a Hearing Doula Persis Bristol-Dodson Persis is part of a non-profit company, Accessible Doula Services, which works to provide affordable support through the labor and delivery process. More information on this company can be found at: www.gotdoulas.org. When Persis was filmed she was asked a series of questions. Please introduce yourself and tell us why you become a doula. What do doulas do? How much do your doula services cost and who pays for your services? How can someone find a doula? What are your experiences working on a birthing team? Are there differences between working with first-time and experienced moms? What is the difference between doulas and midwives? Do you have any final thoughts to share? After seeing her answers to these questions, check out her interview with a prospective client of doula services. Persis Bristol-Dodson

Video Responses

This is the complete video of Persis Bristol-Doson on the Birth Companions CD. The only difference it has been compressed to make it smaller for the web, and is not as high a quality video. You have the option of viewing only the video, or watching it on the same page as a written English summary. (To return from the video, just hit the back button on your browser.) To see the context in which the video is presented on the CD, download the PDF file from Birth Companions . (Video requires QuickTime - free download.)

Please introduce yourself and tell us why you became a doula.

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

Persis introduces herself and explains what inspired her to become a doula. She also describes her work as a doula. (4:22)

What do doulas do?

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

Persis gives more perspective on the role of doulas in the birthing process. (1:44)

How can someone find a doula?

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

A brief explanation of how to locate a doula. (0:44)

How much do your doula services cost and who pays for your services?

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

Persis explains how her company, Accessible Doula Services, determines what it charges for doula services. (0:34)

What are your experiences working on a birthing team?

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

Persis explains her role on the team of people who work to ensure the safe and healthy delivery of a baby. (2:31)

Are there differences between working with first-time and experienced moms?

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

Persis explains the differences in working with women going through their first pregnancy and those who have previously given birth. (0:44)

What is the difference between doulas and midwives?

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

Persis explains the difference between a midwife and a doula. (1:45)

Do you have any final thoughts to share?

Play Video | with Captions | Video with English Transcript | Back to Top

Persis shares some final thoughts on the importance of a doula in the birthing process. (1:27)

An Sample Appointment

To see Persis in action, see her interview with a woman who is looking to hire a doula.