Company history : Who we are and how we got here
Brigid Dodson, a labor and delivery nurse at a local hospital, saw a need for support and set out to create a program for any woman who felt alone, unsupported, or afraid during their childbirth experience.
Brigid formed Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS) after a similar program she was involved with in another state. Volunteers who were experienced or totally new to the realm of labor and birth came forward to give their time and care to women who need support.
Studies have shown that when a woman feels supported during childbirth, she feels empowered and is more confident in her abilities to parent. That is called mothering the mother and it is what GALS is setting out to do.
GALS labor support volunteers are called by a central dispatcher to go to the hospital when there is a woman in labor. Nurses are often the ones to make the suggestion, and then call the dispatcher.
The mission of empowering all women through their birth experience by providing free support to women in labor is truly being carried out by a community of dedicated women.