Birth Companions:

Perspectives on Doulas and Nurse Midwives
in ASL and English

All of the video is now available from Birth Companions (Video requires QuickTime - free download.) What is available on the web includes:

monologues from Jerri Middlebrook-Vogel, a Deaf doula;
monologues from Persis Bristol-Dodson, a hearing Doula;
dialogue between Jerri and a expectant Deaf mother;
dialogue between Persis and an expectant hearing mother; and
dialogue between a hearing nurse midwife and a expectant hearing mother.

For a greater sense of the context in which these videos are shown, download the PDF file which is the navigational guide for the CD-ROM. (Everything works on the PDF except for the video links.)

A study packet, This One's for You, Baby! , is available to allow interpreters to work with this CD and All in Due Time to earn RID CEUs.

by Jerri Middlebrook-Vogel

Jerri is a birth doula who is Deaf. In a series of videos, she answers the following questions:

What does a doula do?
Why did you become a doula?
Who pays for your services?
What does a doula do throughout the labor and delivery process?
What are your experiences working on a birthing team?
Are there differences between working with first-time and experienced moms?
What are your experiences working with interpreters?
Do you have any final thoughts to share?

She also does a sample interview the an expectant mother who is interested in the services of a Doula.

View video from Jerri

by Persis Bristol-Dodson

Persis is a birth doula who also happens to be a certified sign language interpreter. In this video, she gives more perspective on the role of doulas in the birthing process. On the CD, she also answers the following questions:

Why did you become a doula?
How much do your doula services cost and who pays for your services?
How can someone find a doula?
What does a doula do throughout the labor and delivery process?
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?

View Video from Persis

with Maria Wolff and Amy Wolff

Maria and Amy meet for a routine check-up as part of Amy's pre-natal care. Amy is at about 33 weeks in her pregnancy. The video includes the entire appointment as well as introductions by both the practioner and the patient.

View video from Maria Wolff

Interpreting in Healthcare Settings