Doris Ann's Doula Services

s, and even for women that know they want C-Sections. In saying that I do not consider myself a "granola doula". I am there to be an advocate for your birth plan wishes. I am trained in different techniques of breathing, squatting, and using laboring tools such as the shower and/or birthing ball to help you relax and hopefully have the birthing experience you have always dreamed of. At the end of the day my goal is "Healthy mama and healthy baby". What is a Doula? In acncient Greece, the female servant who attended the lady of the house during childbirth was called a doula. Today, it has come to mean "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth" (Mothering the Mother, by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus). In addition, they offer guidance and community resource referrals to families regarding maternal self-care, lactation, and other issues through the first six weeks postpartum. A doula is also sometimes referred to as a labor support person, specialist, or companion. A doula doula does not provide medical care, advice, or interpretations. What Can a Doula do for you? Physically, a doula helps with position changes, relaxation, breathing, and various other comfort measures. Emotionally, a doula provides constant reassurance, encouragement, and a supportive environment for the family. Informationally, a doula offers the mother details regarding labor and birth, coping skills, and interventions for decision-making purposes. It is important for the mother to discuss her preferences regarding types and levels of each kind of support with her birth team Respecting her wishes and individual preferences helps develop a trust relationship. The relationship is what makes the woman feel safe when she is birthing. The doula does not replace the mother's partner. In fact, partners tend to be more involved due to the doula's guidance and do not feel overwhelmed by having all the responsibility for her support. A doula adds a new dimension to the birth team. Her role is to nurture and protect the woman's birth experience. She will advocate and/or mediate on behalf of the client and birth plan regardless of her own birth philosophy. The doula brings with her a wealth of knowledge, skills and tools to assist the mother. Many doulas have brith bags full of "tools of the trade" to promote the mother's comfort (cold/heat packs, massagers, and birthing ball, music, etc.). What are the benefits of having a doula? Since 1980, research had documented several benefits associated with the use of a doula. The studies showed significant decreases in interventions such as cesarean births (by 50%), epidurals (by 60%), pitocin (by 40%), narcotics (by 30%), and forceps (by 30%). Shortening the length of labor by 25% is another advantage of having a doula present. Beneficial results are also evident during the postpartum period. THe baby has fewer health problems, breastfeeding is more successful, and there is less chance of postpartum depression for mothers. Positive feeligns about the birth lead to feelings of confidence about one's self and the ability to then parent. Choosing a Doula
When choosing a doula, consider these issues. What training has she had? Is she certified? How many births has she attended? THe number of births attended may indicate her ability to handle a variety of situations. What is her personal birth philosophy and will it match your personal birth vision? How familiar is she with your care provider and birth facility? The more familiar she is the better she can prepare you, the client. What does her support include? Ask about:
-phone contact
-face-to-face meetings
-level of birth/recovery participation (does she leave immediately after the birth or will she stay for a few hours if that is your preference?)
-postpartum interaction
-backup doula (Does she have a backup doula assigned? Will you be able to meet her?)
-fee
-reimbursement possibilities
-references from past clients. Also, when choosing your doula consider the "fit." Do you personalities mesh? Do you feel comfortable with her style? Are you satisfied with her level of experience? Do you feel confident in her capabilities? Do you think her specific services are appropriate for you?