Doula's Make a Come Back
Doula is not a term you hear everyday. What is a Doula? Doulais a Greek word that centuries ago, meant a new mother's slave. However, today it has come to mean an experienced woman who supports a new mother and her family, emotionally and physically, through the transition of childbirth. A doula does not make any medical or technical decisions, she simply helps the family to make informed choices as a team, with the help of her health care professional. There are many types of doulas-some do only home care and some only do labor support, while others do both.
Bringing in a new human being into a loving and concious place in the first precious moments of their lives, creates a strong bond within a family that will never be weakened. I have worked with numerous families and have watched them grow over the years into healthy, powerful people.
Responsibilities of a labor support doula include attending aprenatal visit with the mother and her health care provider. Doulas use this time to introduce themselves as part of the mew mom's support team so that there are no surprises inthe delivery room. This visit also helps to inform her about what is going on with her client's pregnancy should any complications occur. Many doulas provide a birth planning meeting to help the couple solidify their goals for the birth. She discusses any interventions that can and may occur in the hospital to provide a clearer picture of what can happen. She may also make suggestions of things to bring that will make her feel more comfortable in the hospital.
A number of doulas are also liscensed in massage therapy.Doulas who have this training can provide prenatal massage for clients so that they can get to know her body and what she responds to before they ever even get into the delivery room. The massage helps to build trust with her doula , creates body awareness, and prepares her for the big event of the future.
Doulas often attend hospital births, while some attend homebirths as well. Many times hospitals are understaffed and nurses have many patients to attend to. Hospital staff are often very happyto have a doula present to help. They know that doulas will make their job easier, and assure the mother and her partner that they will recieve all of the loving emotional support that they need. Many people relate the hospital with sickness and grief. Thebirth of a baby is one of the only times to visit the hospital for a very joyous occasion. Doulas help to make the environment at the hospitalbeautiful and relaxing with music and aromatic oils. She helps mom cope with thepain of labor with the help of props, breathing and positioning techniques, massage, and visualization. These tools tend to melt the stress and tension while creating body awareness so that she can open up more easily for the birth of her baby.
Mom's partner can relax and support her in the way thathe/she knows best. They don't have to worry about using the right techniqueor feel nervous about seeing her in pain. Studies have shown that partners are more relaxed and effective at helping laboring women when a doula is present. Having a doula takes the pressure off so that both partner and mom can focus onwhat's really important- the birth of their new baby. In 1993, Drs. Kennell and Klaus performed controlled studies withdoulas and new families which show:
50% reduction in cesareans
65% reduction in requests of epidurals
25% shorter labors
40% reduction in forceps deliveries
In conclusion, these studies show an increase inmaternal bonding and a decrease in postpartum complications. Once again, showing theimportance of the safe space provided by a doula, to help create an unforgettable newbeginning for these families.
Doulas will often stay at the hospital for at least 1-2 hoursafter the baby is born to help mom with breastfeeding. She makes sure that mom is settled and has plenty of food and juice to keep her strength up and she may take family photos if requested. On her departure she reminds mom that rest is necessary for both her and her new family.
A doula may visit the new family about 3-7 days after deliveryto provide breastfeeding support, nutritional counseling, and infant care information. In some instances mom, partner, and baby recieves massages, which are very much needed at this point.
Home care doulas are women who provide support for the motherin the postpartum period. She makes sure that all of the household chores (laundry, light housekeeping, cooking) get done and that mom and baby are gettingenough nourishing food and rest. She helps with breastfeeding and makes sure that thebaby is latching on properly. The home care doula takes care of everything so that the mother can bond with her new addition to the family.
Overall, doulas help in the full spectrum of the childbearing experience. They are a wonderful asset to everyone involved and are making a world of difference for families of all creeds and cultures.
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