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Labor Doula
The word, "doula"
comes from the Greek word for the most important
female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the
woman who probably helped the lady of the house through
her childbearing. The word has now come to refer to "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)
A
Birth or Labor Doula is a trained professional who provides
constant emotional, practical, physical and knowledgeable
support before, during and immediately after the birth
of your baby. I realize that birth is a major life experience
that you will remember all your life, and I can provide
the education to help you decide your "Birth Preferences"
and assist you in developing that specific written plan.
I am not there to replace the father/partner role - I
will be there to support him as well. Dads go through
many of the same emotional stresses that Moms goes through
and will appreciate the same support that the doula provides
for moms. I will demonstrate to your partner special emotional
support and comfort measures that he alone can provide.
My presence will allow him to take a break if needed and
it removes some of the pressure he may feel under the
stress of the situation.
"I
felt as if having a doula might diminish my role to the
point where I wasn't
even needed. But after meeting with our doula, I felt
much better, and my
trepidation about having her there was gone. Helen, our
doula, kept me involved with the birth, and it was nice
to feel like I DIDN'T HAVE TO KNOW EVERTHING."
(excerpt from The Doula Advantage by Rachel Gurevich)
The
acceptance of doulas in maternity care is rapidly growing
with the recognition of their very important contribution
to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being
of mothers, fathers and infants.
DID
YOU KNOW?
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The
Overall Cesarean Rate for North Carolina in 2007 was
31.2% The World Health Organization recommends cesarean
rates for any region not exceed 10 to 15 percent. Source:
State Stats obtained thru ICAN of Charlotte.
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In
the 1950's, more than 40% of women gave birth outside
of a hospital. In 1999, less than 2% of women gave birth
outside of a hospital. Source: Statistics from the Center
for Disease Control.
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Epidurals
are considered "safe," but like any drug,
they can negatively affect the mother and unborn child.
. . Studies on epidural use have shown an increased
c-section rate, longer pushing stage, increased need
for forceps or vacuum extraction, increased rate of
p\episiotomies, and a higher risk of maternal fever.
(Source: England, P., Horowitz, R., 1998)
During
the labor process, I will create a calm, caring and nurturing
environment, enabling you to labor confidently and peacefully
with your partner and/or family members. I will stay by
your side throughout the entire labor, from the time you
request me while in labor until you baby is nestled in
your arms and several hours old. I will have no clinical
responsibilities, no paperwork, and no other patients/clients
- there is only you and your comfort! I will be there
providing emotional and physical comfort measures and
I will have an objective viewpoint and assist you in getting
the information you need to make good decisions.
You
will be grateful for the experience and knowledge that
I can give as I lead you through massage, labor positioning,
breathing techniques, and the use of other comfort measures
such as water, hot/cold packs and birth ball.
ADVANTAGES OF A BIRTH DOULA
25% shorter labor
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
50% reduction of cesarean rate
60% reduction of epidural requests
I
will also be there to facilitate your communication with
caregivers during the birth and to encourage you to stay
on track with your pre-planned birth. Women have choices
- often many more choices than they realize and a doula
will help you to understand those many choices.
If
complications arise during your birth, because I will
have helped you educate yourselves on childbirth methods
and possible alternative options, you will be able to
make educated decisions on how to proceed. Today's technological
tools can be appropriately helpful in some circumstances;
however, they are sometimes used when there are alternative
options that are not so invasive and traumatic. A pregnancy
and ultimate birth process can be dictated by caregivers
who no longer have the time to give personalized care
to each new mom in the way that she deserves. They may
suggest interventions that can impede the body's natural
processes.
I
can assist you in your quest to make this wondrous event
what it should be . . .
a beautiful, natural progression of birthing your baby.
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