"A woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)
Basically doulas provide emotional and physical support to a couple during the labor and the birth. Research has actually proven that women who have woman as supporter present with her during labor and birth is less likely to need pain relieving drugs and her labor is shorter. There are also fewer operative deliveries (C-sections) and episiotomies. Babies are in better relaxed stage at birth and nurse easily. Basically a doula "mothers the mother" so the dad can focus on enjoying the experience with his wife and baby rather on pain relieving measures and the stress/monitors.
I CAN PROVIDE:
1. Close contact throughout pregnancy to make sure all questions & concerns are addressed & answered.
Information on the risks and benefits of all tests & procedures offered during pregnancy and labor to ensure informed consent at all times
Create birth plan to help a woman identify her birth priorities
Unlimited 24 hour phone consultation & e-mail support
Recommendations of resources, reading materials, and web site links
Referrals to appropriate services as indicated on an individual basis.
2. Preparation for the birth experience. A doula helps a woman to identify and express any fears or expectations about labor
Continuous emotional support during entire labor and recovery. Including reassurance about the normalcy of labor, explanations of all medical interventions before they occur and the reasons they are necessary
Prayer for the woman, her baby and her birth pre-natally, during birth & post-partum period, if desired
Positive assurances, encouragement, praise, affirmation, and empowering phrases
Preserves and nurtures a positive birth memory
3. Continuous physical support during entire labor and recovery including the following:
Guided relaxation techniques
Patterned breathing techniques Massage (deep, effleurage, acupressure, etc.)
Attention focusing techniques (visualization/guided imagery)
Birth Ball Use
Body Position Suggestions that promote labor and birth progress: Standing, leaning, slow dancing, walking, kneeling leaning forward, kneeling on one knee, sitting up, birth ball (sitting, leaning, swaying), lying down, side-lying, semi-reclining, supine with tilt to side, supported squat, lap squatting, the dangle, open knee-chest, closed knee-chest, lying semi-prone.
Movement suggestions that encourage correct fetal positioning: The lunge, pelvic rocking, abdominal lifting, abdominal stroking, stomp & squat, rhythmic motion, kegel, etc.
Hot and Cold therapy
Hydrotherapy
Aromatherapy
Specific Backache Comfort Measures
Reminders to urinate and hydrate frequently
Pushing instruction to encourage proper fetal descent
Support during recovery for any complications
I CAN PROVIDE:
1. Close contact throughout pregnancy to make sure all questions & concerns are addressed & answered.
Information on the risks and benefits of all tests & procedures offered during pregnancy and labor to ensure informed consent at all times
Create birth plan to help a woman identify her birth priorities
Unlimited 24 hour phone consultation & e-mail support
Recommendations of resources, reading materials, and web site links
Referrals to appropriate services as indicated on an individual basis.
2. Preparation for the birth experience. A doula helps a woman to identify and express any fears or expectations about labor
Continuous emotional support during entire labor and recovery. Including reassurance about the normalcy of labor, explanations of all medical interventions before they occur and the reasons they are necessary
Prayer for the woman, her baby and her birth pre-natally, during birth & post-partum period, if desired
Positive assurances, encouragement, praise, affirmation, and empowering phrases
Preserves and nurtures a positive birth memory
3. Continuous physical support during entire labor and recovery including the following:
Guided relaxation techniques
Patterned breathing techniques Massage (deep, effleurage, acupressure, etc.)
Attention focusing techniques (visualization/guided imagery)
Birth Ball Use
Body Position Suggestions that promote labor and birth progress: Standing, leaning, slow dancing, walking, kneeling leaning forward, kneeling on one knee, sitting up, birth ball (sitting, leaning, swaying), lying down, side-lying, semi-reclining, supine with tilt to side, supported squat, lap squatting, the dangle, open knee-chest, closed knee-chest, lying semi-prone.
Movement suggestions that encourage correct fetal positioning: The lunge, pelvic rocking, abdominal lifting, abdominal stroking, stomp & squat, rhythmic motion, kegel, etc.
Hot and Cold therapy
Hydrotherapy
Aromatherapy
Specific Backache Comfort Measures
Reminders to urinate and hydrate frequently
Pushing instruction to encourage proper fetal descent
Support during recovery for any complications
