 Doula is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. She is a non-anxious presence who knows and trusts birth. A Doula supports expectant families emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually throughout the transformations of childbirth. She helps a woman and her partner feel safe, confident, comfortable and secure by providing total permission for them to be themselves within their birthing experience. This freedom reduces expectations, fears and blocks and increases a sense of empowerment. This helps a birthing woman and her partner trust birth as well as a woman’s innate birthing power. The Doula has two roles in Birthing From Center: Labor Support Doula and Postpartum Care Doula. Labor support includes two prenatal visits, the birth and two postpartum visits. Postpartum Care is arranged on a one-on-one basis. Labor Support A Doula is sensitive to the overall birth experience. She speaks with her heart and eyes as she helps a woman let go and connect with her birthing wisdom. A Doula provides continuous care from the onset of labor until after the baby is born. Professional Labor Support includes and is not limited to:
Advantages of Labor Support
Other benefits include: improved breastfeeding, enhanced parent infant bonding, decreased postpartum depression, reduced need for pain medications, episiotomies and improved neonatal outcomes. Mothering the Mother by Marshall Klaus, M.D.; Phyllis Klaus, M.Ed.; and John Kennell, M.D. Copyright © 2003-2006 Birthing from Center. All rights reserved. |