1.    A doula’s main role is to help her client have (as much as possible) the kind of birth she desires.
2.    A doula does not take over the role of the birth partner (usually the husband), but supports them both in whatever ways they need.
3.    A doula can give the partner a break if necessary.
4.    A doula helps the couple to apply what they have learned in childbirth classes.
5.    A doula helps with suggesting many different comfort measures during labor.
6.    A doula will advocate between the client and caregiver to help her to have the kind of birth she desires.  A doula will NOT make decisions for the client, but rather make sure they are informed of their options.
7.    A doula will encourage the client to help her reach her goals of a natural birth (if that is the goal).
8.    A doula will explain the stages of labor, help the client understand the various options she has in a difficult situation, and support her completely in whatever she ultimately chooses.
9.    A doula will be constantly present for support, not coming and going like many other caregivers do.

Author: Brenda Minica, CD (CBI) – All Rights Reserved

During pregnancy, your doula can:

• Meet with you for a free interview to answer questions and determine if you are a good match.

• Tailor your prenatal visits to provide you with the information you need and desire. A doula’s prenatal visits are a mini-childbirth education course in many ways, which helps you review everything that you have already learned, sorting through and making the best choices for your family.

• Provide many sources of information for your further education, such as articles, books, websites, DVD’s, etc.

• Loan books or other items to you from her own personal collection for your use during your pregnancy.

• Communicate by phone or e-mail to answer questions and provide resources.

• Be a listening and sympathetic ear when things are not going well, you are feeling stressed, or you have received negative feedback from others.

• Help you understand what your doctor is telling you, and walk you through the process of making truly informed decisions about your care.

• Answer questions that you may not have had time to ask your doctor during your appointments.

• Assist in writing your “Birth Preferences” (Birth Plan). Your doula will explain the most common interventions that may be offered to you, talk about the risks and benefits, and encourage you and/or help you to get them written down so that everyone involved in your care will be aware of your wishes.

• Make a list of comfort measures that are most attractive to you, and practice them with you ahead of time.

• Assist you in dealing with any fears that you may have about your upcoming birth. Facing your fears and talking about them are some of the best ways to get control and not allow them to overwhelm you.

• Get to know both you and your partner so that there is a mutual trust and friendship existing that will allow you to feel completely comfortable when your doula is with you during labor.

• Answer your partner’s questions and talk about ways that he can support you during labor. Remember – a doula’s role is not to take over for the partner, but to support both Mom and Dad during this exciting time.

• Attend a prenatal visit with you so that Doula and Doctor are acquainted.

• Attend a childbirth class with you.

• Tour your chosen place of birth with you.

• Help you become prepared for newborn care, breastfeeding, etc., making sure you have the supplies you need and are going to have support during the first few weeks postpartum.

• Provide referrals to other local professionals depending on your needs. A doula is trained to recognize when additional help is needed, and has a vast collection of resources to help you obtain that help.

• Be available for you 24 hours a day starting 2 weeks before your estimated due date. You can and should call your doula anytime you have questions or are feeling uneasy about what you are experiencing. Your doula is prepared to drop everything at a moment’s notice to assist you when you go into labor.

During labor, your doula will assist you in many ways. Here are some possibilities:

Physical Comfort Techniques – Your doula is dedicated to helping your labor and birth be as comfortable as possible. Most women do have some level of pain during their births, but many of these comfort measures can greatly reduce the pain you experience and help you manage your pain so that it does not become suffering.

• Positioning techniques to help you be more comfortable and encourage baby’s correct positioning for birth.

• Encouragement to keep you moving and active as much as possible during your labor.

• Reminders to stay hydrated and also to empty your bladder regularly (you may forget some of these things during labor, so it is very helpful to have your doula there to remind you)

• Counterpressure, massage, and other forms of touch – whatever feels good to you at the time.

• Hydrotherapy – using the bathtub or shower for labor support if they are available.

• Use of heat and cold combined with other comfort measures

• Rhythmic rituals – your doula can help you find a rhythm which will help you to keep control and not lose focus during your contractions.

• Birth ball, rebozo, vibrating massager, etc.

• Breathing techniques

• Awareness of tension in different parts of your body – tension increases pain and your doula can help you be aware of where you are holding tension so that you can release it.

• Vocalizations – repeating important words or phrases, singing, moaning, etc.

• Environmental comforts – your doula can do such things as making sure the lights stay dim when possible, playing relaxation or other music, showing you a special photo to look at, diffusing essential oils or using scented lotions, etc.

Emotional Comfort Techniques – Your doula may be the only continuous presence throughout your labor. Doctors, nurses, and other caregivers may come and go, many of whom you may have never met. But your doula will be with you the whole time, even laboring with you at home during early labor if you wish. She is with you for the long haul, and can support you emotionally through the whole experience in a way that other professionals cannot. Your doula’s sole focus is on you and your emotional and physical comfort.

• Your doula can protect the emotional atmosphere of your birthing room. As a professional, she can gently but firmly make sure that only the people who you are most comfortable with are allowed to be present in the room with you.

• Focal points, visualizations, distractions, mental activities, rituals, etc.

• Verbal encouragement and feedback – your doula is your cheerleader and will encourage you every step of the way.

• Your doula knows what the pain of labor feels like, and will acknowledge what you are feeling, go through every contraction with you, and encourage you that you can do it.

• Help work through fears that may come up during labor, communicating about issues (past or present) that may be causing the fear. Your doula can help you reframe your doubts and fears into positive statements that will allow you to progress and feel encouraged.

• Partner support – your doula can support your partner in many different ways. She can suggest and model ideas for your partner to use in supporting you. She can answer questions about things that are happening. During a long labor, your partner may appreciate a short break and will not need to worry about your being left alone during that time. At times you may appreciate 2 sets of hands to physically support you in moving around, massage, counterpressure, etc.

Informational Support – During labor, you may be offered various procedures and interventions by your caregivers for many different reasons. You may have already thought through these issues and have a preference for what you wish to do, or you may need to be educated about them on the spot. On the other hand, sometimes moms who are in active labor and transition can have trouble collecting their thoughts enough to thoroughly think through an option and make an informed decision. Your doula can act as an information source for you during these times, clarifying any questions you may have about the procedures that are being offered or suggested. Your doula can also help remind you of what you had previously decided, and help you remember what questions that you can ask your caregiver in order to gain the information you need to make a decision. Remember that there is almost never a situation where you do not have the time to think through your options and discuss them before making a decision. Your doula will not speak to your caregiver for you, but she may help you by whispering in your ear or asking a question to clarify an issue if she senses that you need any assistance.

Immediately after the birth, your doula can:

• Encourage immediate skin-to-skin contact and uninterrupted time during the first few minutes for bonding with the baby.

• Assist with your first breastfeeding session, helping to make sure that the position and latch of the baby are correct.

• Help you relax through any other procedures that occur, such as the delivery of the placenta or stitching the perineum.

• Take photos of the baby and new family.

• Make sure you and your partner are comfortable in every way possible.

During the postpartum weeks, your doula can:

• Visit you in your home shortly after the baby is born.

• Answer questions and give assistance with any breastfeeding issues that may arise. Your doula is not a professional lactation consultant, but she can recognize if any problems are occurring that need outside assistance.

• Talk with you about how you are feeling, and help you process your emotions about your birth.

• Answer questions about basic baby care and what to expect from a newborn.

• Answer questions about basic postpartum issues such as amount of bleeding to expect, etc. Again, your doula can recognize an abnormality and will be able to refer you to your doctor if needed.

• Write a keepsake birth story for you to include in your baby’s memorabilia.

• Assist in making sure that you are receiving enough support for the postpartum period – your doula can ask you questions to make sure that you are not doing too much and are getting plenty of rest.

• Referrals to various outside organizations – your doula can be a resource for various things such as breastfeeding support, local moms groups, postpartum issues, government assistance programs, etc.

Author: Brenda Minica, CD (CBI) – all rights reserved.

During Pregnancy:
During your pregnancy you may have a lot of non-medical questions that you may not necessarily remember to ask your health care providers. This is when you can consult your doula. Your doula is like pregnancy Google. If she doesn’t know the answer, she’ll find it or give you the resources to do it yourself.
During prenatal visit’s, your doula gets to know you and your hopes for birth. What makes your doula special, is that she takes on the same amount of enthusiasm about your birth plan as you and your partner. Your birth is taken as seriously as her own.

During Labor:
During your labor, you should consider your doula an extension of yourself. Chances are, if your thinking it, she should know it. Fears and inhibitions can hinder labor progress. This is the reason it is important to choose the right doula for you. You should feel like you can tell her anything. A doula is a professional and she does not judge.

Postpartum:
After your baby is born, your doula can help you in a number of ways. She helps with basic breastfeeding issues. She can entertain older siblings. Your doula is a calming presence in your home while you make the transition with your new baby. To best use your doula, you cannot be shy about telling her what you need or don’t need. She is there to help. How she helps is custom to YOUR needs.
Your doula is aware of all of your local resources. Whether it’s breastfeeding support, local mom groups, or government assistance. She wants to make sure you have everything you need to mother with confidence.

Author: Kim Stewart, Just Yours Birth Service

Used with permission.

· Two to three prenatal visits in your home or other location of your choice. These visits may include birth plan options and assistance, how I can help you as your doula, physiology of labor, breathing and relaxtion, breastfeeding preparation, etc. Each visit will be tailored to your specific needs and will include time to answer any questions you have.

 · I am the person that you first contact when you are in labor. If for any reason you are unable to contact me or due to an emergency, I will provide contact details for a backup doula. I will be on call for you 24 hours a day beginning two weeks before your estimated due date up until labor begins. This mean that I will carry my cell phone with me at all times, and will not leave town without advising you unless it is an emergency or an event not known about at the time of the contract signing.

· I will provide early labor support as requested, including in your home. I will remain with you once active labor has begun until one to two hours after your baby is born. I may take short breaks for meals and rest if time allows – this will be discussed with you at the time and I will not leave you if it is inappropriate.

· I will draw on my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort (relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort), and communicate with the medical staff to make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions during labor.

·  The presence of a doula lifts the sole responsibility of the labor off the shoulders of your partner, allowing him to enjoy the whole birth process. I can help your partner to feel calm and informed, giving him ideas to continue support from beginning to end. At no time will I “take over” or deliberately exclude your partner. I am there to provide support to both of you at all times. Sometimes a partner likes to stay by the mother’s side during the whole of labor, while others prefer to take a break. This is your birth experience and it is important that you feel free to decide on what you want at the time.

· As a doula, I can advocate for you at a time when it is sometimes difficult for you to advocate for yourself. However, I will not and can not make decisions for you. In a situation where medical decisions must be made, my role is to quietly remind you what your wishes are, assist you in asking questions and gaining information about other options, and then look to you and your partner for the final decision.

· I will assist in providing information and supplying emotional support by telephone on postpartum care, breastfeeding, and newborn care after the birth, as requested. Please contact me if you have any concerns. If I cannot help, I will be able to find the appropriate person who can. I will help to initiate the breastfeeding process, if that is what you choose to do. If you wish to bottle feed your baby, I will help you with the first feeding.

 · Within the first 5 days after the birth of your baby, I will visit you at home or in the hospital. I will answer any questions or give you a referral to the appropriate professional that can meet your needs. I will meet with you for at least two postpartum visits, and more depending on your needs.

Have questions? Please feel free to contact me at any time, I am happy to talk with you about my services and any questions you may have. Click here to send me an e-mail or call me at (210)635-8728 and leave a message.

A doula is another woman who stays with a mother throughout labor and birth. The word “doula” comes from a Greek word that means “servant” or “women’s servant.” A doula is a traditional role that women have been filling for centuries. Careful scientific studies in this century have proven what birthing women have always known — doulas help women to have better birth outcomes.

Proven Around the World

International studies have shown the benefit of doulas to birthing women. Women who have continuous doula support during labor have a lower cesarean section rate and a lower rate of assisted vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum extraction). These results are consistent no matter what country the woman is giving birth in.

One to one care has been shown to shorten labor by two hours or more. A hospital in Dublin, Ireland gives all birthing women one-to-one, continuous support. At this hospital almost all mothers have labors of twelve hours or less. Studies in the United States have also shown that women who use doula support have shorter labors.

Doulas even help women choosing epidural pain relief to have better birth outcomes. A woman who chooses and epidural and doula support is less likely to have a cesarean section and is more likely to have an unassisted vaginal delivery.

Minimizing Interventions

A birthing woman who chooses to have a doula support her throughout labor is less likely to need synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin). Synthetic oxytocin results in stronger, harder contractions that many women have a hard time dealing with. The doula is full of wisdom to help a woman progress through labor, which lessens the likelihood of needing a synthetic hormone boost.

If a woman is induced or has synthetic oxytocin given to her during labor, her doula is able to help her cope with the strong contractions. Doulas are able to assist birthing women in a multitude of ways.

Helping Fathers Too

Even fathers find that doulas benefit them. Births where a father and doula are present usually result in happy parents. The fathers feel like they were given the support that they needed. A doula is able to help the father help the mother as much as possible. Doulas are also able to give continous care to each mother, allowing the father to take a break or freeing him to be there emotionally for the mother.

A True Asset

Doulas help mothers of all ages. Studies have shown that when young mothers are given doula support they have better birth outcomes and a higher breastfeeding rate. Older mothers are also assisted by a confident doula who has many ideas to help the mother through labor.

A doula is truly an asset to any birthing team. If you are looking for a shorter labor with less pain, find a doula in your community. Your doula is in infinite source of wisdom and support — no matter where you give birth, how you give birth, or who else you want with you. Allow yourself the luxury of someone focused completely on your success — have a doula on your team.

Author: Kristen Burgess

Kristen Burgess is the owner of http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com She is passionate and committed to helping women have healthy pregnancies and happy, natural births. Learn more about doulas, pregnancy, and natural birth at http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristen_Burgess

Water childbirth is becoming very popular. Many women are finding that is a great way to give birth. They say it is more comfortable, easier, and healthier. Water is known to help ease pain during labor, making a natural birth more bearable. It aids in keeping a steady pulse, stabilizing your blood flow and helps you to be more relaxed. It also helps the baby slip out more easily, helping quite a bit in managing pain and cutting back on labor time.

In order to decide if a water birth is for you, you will want to do some research. Those who are nervous about a home birth should probably decide against a water birth as, currently, water births are not conducted in many facilities. In addition, women who aren’t comfortable working with a midwife are not prime candidates for water birth. For more information, visit waterbirth.org or birthbalance.com.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to find a midwife. Since water childbirth is still relatively new, many midwifes are not experienced and are reluctant to try it. If you are not able to find a midwife who has experience with water childbirth, try finding one who is open to it. With the proper research, you and your midwife can learn what is needed. Some women choose to deliver without a midwife, but you’ll want to make sure you are 100% comfortable and as educated as you can be if you choose to do this.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to obtain a birthing pool. You have the option of purchasing or renting one. Renting one will cost a few hundred dollars, while purchasing one will be around a thousand. If you plan to use your birthing pool for multiple children, it is probably more economical to purchase rather than rent. You should purchase a birthing pool that can comfortable seat you and another person. There are also birthing pool accessories available such as booster seats, thermometers and liner patch kits.

Author: Sarah Freeland

Pregnancy these days is trendy and fashionable. No more hiding a baby bump, motherhood is redefined! Maternity clothes are evolving too. Funky maternity clothes and punk rock baby clothes and maternity wear are now the norm! Shop for cool pregnancy outfits and funky diaper bags as well as alternative baby clothing and accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

I’m sorry to say I fell into that trap. I read a few books about childbirth that argued that it doesn’t have to be painful. And I believed it. I wasn’t worried in the least. I mean it’s a natural process your body has to go through, how hard could it be? As it turns out it was really, really hard. I went into labor on a Tuesday morning. My daughter was born on a Friday. What happened between those days is a little fuzzy but basically involves pain way more intense than I had imagined, hours and hours and hours of enduring contraction after painful contraction, only to find out I was barely making progress. I had basically no tools to cope with the pain (that wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place!) All of this eventually led to many unwanted interventions and good deal of emotional trauma on everyone’s part. After enduring all those contractions, “naturally”, I ended up with pitocin, an epidural and a vacuum delivery.

So what’s the one thing I would do over again if I had the chance? (Besides actually complete my Hypnosis Course instead of just falling asleep…) I would hire a doula. The word ‘doula’ comes from the Greek word for servant. For centuries before modern medical birth, women helped each other give birth using techniques passed down through generation after generation. Today pregnant women can hire a doula to provide emotional and physical support during labor and delivery. Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth and can provide a wide range of non-medical pain relief measures.

Surprisingly, science seems to overwhelmingly support the benefits of using a Doula. A 1997 study found that laboring women who were supported by a doula experienced the same levels of pain as those who had received an epidural. Additionally, women who used a doula were able to cope with their pain equally well to those who used an epidural.

Additionally, while epidurals do lead to less pain, they also tend to lead to more interventions, often times ending with caesarian deliveries, which are a greater risk to both the mother and baby’s health. Doula support, on the other hand, lowers the risk of c-section. A university study found that women whose labors were induced and used a doula had a 20 percent c-section rate, while those who did not use a doula, had shocking 63% c-section delivery rate. Another study found mothers who were supported by a doula or labor companion during birth had more positive interactions with their newborns after birth. Women who use doula support during labor have been shown to have 1/2 as many c-section as those who do not use a doula. They have also been shown to have large reductions in the need for interventions such as forceps and vacuum. Many women also experience shorter labors.

I was advised to hire a doula when I got pregnant, and I’m very sad to say I didn’t do it. I really believe my labor and delivery would have been a more positive, natural experience had I taken that advice. Please consider hiring a doula and sharing information about doulas with any pregnant women you know. And of course, doulas and epidurals are not mutually exclusive. Doulas can be beneficial to your labor experience even if you choose to use medication.

Author: Tara N Smith

To find a doula in your area visit The Doula Network

Tara Smith is a mom, perennial researcher, reader and author of growbabygreen.com, a website that helps parents “go green” for their baby and family.To learn more green, organic and natural living ideas and tips visit http://www.growbabygreen.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tara_N_Smith

A doula is a labor support professional who can assist you when going through childbirth. Traditionally, women were always attended by other experienced women to help them get through this difficult life transition. In the modern day hospital setting, women are generally unattended until it is time to actually deliver. This means a first time mom could spend 16-18 hours feeling completely alone. The nurses will hook you to the monitor, and check on you about once an hour.

A doula is a professional, trained to handle the non-clinical aspects of labor. She is familiar with the process of childbirth and how to guide you through the progression of labor with effectiveness. This is the only experienced professional who stays with the mother from the time her labor is active, until after the baby is born.

Here are 5 reasons a mom will want a doula by her side:

1.The mother will have professional help in developing a birth plan, as a doula assists the new parents in understanding all the available options

2.The mother will have an experienced professional by her side continuously during labor

3.The mother will be physically comforted by the doulas comfort measures, including warm compresses, massage, relaxation and breathing techniques

4.The partner will have support and guidance in how to help the mother during labor

5.The couple will have a beautiful account of what happened during labor, as a doula will keep a record and many mothers lose focus of the time

These are just a few things that a doula can do for you! Here is what Jacksonville moms are saying about having a doula for their birth:

‘She [our doula] provided us with important prenatal information and
practice relaxation techniques that assisted my husband and me to feel prepared for the birth.’

‘The positive outcome of our labor was directly impacted by our doula’s birthing expertise and her ability to assist me in managing my labor. We would not have been able to have a natural, non-medicated delivery without our doula!’

‘This was the best money we spent when preparing for our new baby!’

"Thank God for my Doula. I could never have done a natural birth without her guidance and coaching. She was totally amazing and I will definitely be seeing her again when it is time for baby number two."

Educate yourself and hire and doula to help you have a shorter, easier birth and a wonderful birth experience.

By: Sita Payne Romero

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Sita Payne Romero, LMT, CD Sita specializes in preparing expectant mothers to have a comfortable pregnancy, and achieve their ideal birth experience. She is a certified doula, a licensed and certified pregnancy massage therapist and a prenatal yoga teacher. She owns a private practice in Jacksonville, FL. For more information, and helpful articles please visit www.lotusinbloom.net