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INTRODUCTION
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The word “doula” is of Greek origin meaning “Woman of Service”
and are also known as birth attendants, professional labour support assistants or birth companions.
A doula is trained and experienced in childbirth.
She supports a woman and her family throughout the pregnancy, labour, birth and after the baby is born.
She offers non-medical, emotional, physical and informational support individual to the woman’s needs,
wants and desires. As no two births are the same, nor is a doula’s role.
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Doulas take the approach of “mothering the mother” and are said to be the missing link
in our society. The support network women once had has declined and as the saying goes
“it takes a village to raise a child.”
By building up a relationship during prenatal visits, a doula learns what the woman’s needs, wants and desires are.
Fears can be worked through and evidence based information can be provided to assist the woman with making
informed choices for the birth and parenting.
A doula is familiar with natural pain relief techniques, positions that can help a woman during labour,
strategies to help a woman relax and can encourage partners to take a more hands on, active approach to becoming
a dad and supporting the mum with feeding.
A doula offers unconditional, intimate and continuous support.
She does not try to influence you in any way. A doula is loving, confidential, strong, passionate and
in tune with her client.
I believe all women deserve a doula!
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The visits we arrange are designed for us to get to know each other and to build your confidence and knowledge base
about birth and becoming a parent for the first or subsequent time.
Our visits during your pregnancy can also create an opportunity for you and your partner to discuss personal wishes
and feelings that you may not have shared with each other.
We meet regularly and I can support you in the following ways;
I get to know you and your family, your needs and fears
Attend caregiver appointments with you
Explain how the brain works during labour
Bonding with baby throughout the pregnancy and after the birth
What to pack for hospital
Emotions and physical changes
Go over a partners role during the labour
Discuss stages of labour
Encourage you to be informed about pregnancy, birth and parenting
Relaxation techniques and affirmations
Assist with a “birth intentions” or “birth plan” document and type it up for you
I can offer a shoulder to cry on and can listen without judgment
Position suggestions that can assist the birth
Please note that all visit outlines are custom designed to you and your needs and desires and the above are just
suggestions.
I prefer to meet with you and your partner at least once before your labour to get to know each other, discuss any
fears or concerns and to plan how we might best work together. Ideally, we would meet three to four times before
your due date. I am contactable by phone or email to answer your questions or to provide support during your
pregnancy, labour and after your baby is born.
As your doula, I am on 24 hour call for you two weeks before your due date and up until your baby is born. Of course,
if you go into labour earlier than expected I will still be there for you.
I also have resources which can be borrowed from my personal library which cover pregnancy, birth and parenting.
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I support you and your birth partner during your labour in the way discussed during the prenatal visits. I can be as involved as you want or in the background (taking photos, reassuring partners). The below are some suggestions;
Offering encouragement, praise and comfort
Giving your support person reassurance and rest breaks
Suggest natural pain relief techniques such as music, visualisations, keeping active
Walking with you during labour
If labour is not progressing, can offer little suggestions which may help
Using birth affirmation cards if you have indicated you wanted to during prenatal visits
Helping with breathing
Applying hot/cold packs to assist with pain
Ensuring your birth intentions document is followed
Can massage as long as you would like or teach your partner how to massage
Writing a birth story
Taking photographs or video taping if the hospital will allow so you can capture those special moments
Suggest positions you had indicated you wanted to try
Promote breastfeeding and encourage bonding
Running bath water for you
Keeping visitors to a minimum
There are so many other ways a doula can support, it just depends you!
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I will remain with you after the birth until you are comfortable and ready for some family time.
I provide a follow up visit on the following day to see how you are going and to give you an opportunity to debrief about the birth
When you get settled in at home, I will meet with the new family to see how everyone is adjusting.
Depending on what you want, I can;
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Listen as you debrief about the birth
Run errands or collect the mail
Hold the baby while mum has a shower or goes for a walk
Make mum a cup of tea and have a general chat
Light housework
Cook a wholesome, nutritious meal
Washing
Encourage mum with feeding
Accompany you on one of your first few outings with baby to help build your parenting confidence
Further appointments after your chosen support package has come to its completion,
can be made with me on a per hour basis.
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Research of 11 controlled studies of over 1000 women by Marshall Klaus, MD and John Kennell, MD,
indicated that the presence of a doula at birth makes a big difference resulting in the following statistics:-
50% decrease in the need for a caesarean delivery
25% decrease in length of labour for first time mothers
60% decrease in requests for an epidural
40% decrease in the use of artificial oxytocin use
30% decrease in the use of forceps
General decrease in the use of pain relief medications (narcotics)
(For more information regarding this study please refer to, Mothering the Mother, How a Doula can help you have a
shorter easier and healthier birth. Klaus, Kennel, 1993)
Studies by Marshall Klaus, John Kennell and Phyllis Klaus have also shown that having a doula present during labour:
Shortens the labour process (Campbell et al, 2006; Langer et al 1998)
Reduces caesarean section rates (Thomassen et al 2003; Scott et al 1999; Kennell et al, 1991)
Has a positive effect on breastfeeding (langer et al, 1998)
Enhances the wellbeing of mothers and babies
Partners feel more enthusiastic about the labour with the help from a doula
Reduces the need for medical assistance, mothers feel better about themselves, more positive about the labour and bond more easily with their babies
(For more information regarding this study please refer to, The Doula Book. Klaus, Kennel, 2002)
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In our region, we are extremely fortunate to have great doctors, midwives, nurses and hospitals. The doula works with the woman to help her to follow the advice of the midwives and doctors who are responsible for your clinical care.
As a doula I will compliment the services already available to women and can offer continuity of care and a familiar face during your pregnancy and birth. I am not subject to shift changes.
The doula’s non medical support leaves your midwife or doctor more available to medically care for you and your baby.
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We all share the same goal and that is "A Happy & Safe Mum = A Happy & Safe Baby"
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A doula works in private and public hospitals, birth centres and at homebirths, always in conjunction with midwives
or doctors - never as the sole care giver. A doula is employed privately by the client.
As a courtesy to your midwife or doctor it is advised that you inform them of your choice to include a doula in your
birth team.
A doula has no clinical responsibility and does not undertake medical observations even if she has been trained to
do this in a different course.
This means that the doula does not:
Replace the medical care provided by your doctor or midwife
Listen to the baby’s heart beat
Take blood pressure measurements
Take the client’s temperature
Do vaginal examinations
Make comments on any medical or midwifery intervention
Give advice
Prescribe treatment
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