Mom, Dad, Baby . . . and Doula . . . are all doing well.For expectant parents, the birth experience may include any number of things. For some, the ideal birth could be a home setting surrounded by family. Another couple might feel most comfortable in the privacy of a hospital delivery room. Some might want to experience a bit of both: labouring in the comfort of home then going to the hospital for the grand finale. Fortunately, a Doula is available to help parents have as close to their birth ideal as possible.A Doula is sometimes described as a labour coach, labour support or birth assistant. The fact is, a Doula is a Doula. The word originates from Greek and means an experienced woman in service to another woman. A Doula is neither a team-cheering coach nor does she assist the nurses, doctor or mid-wife with the hands-on birthing process. A Doula focuses primarily on the comfort of the mother. This also means helping Dad to do whatever he is most comfortable doing for his partner. And when a woman is birthing without family support a Doula can be an emotional life-line. A responsible Doula will never give advice or create friction within the birth setting. It is not her responsibility to reinterpret medical directions. Whether during labour at home or in hospital, a Doula is present to provide relaxation and encouragement. Common Doula tools that may be welcomed are massage, music, gentle walking and quiet conversation. The Doula is also the person who keeps the birth notes so there is an accurate story to tell later. And she may be the only one who remembers to bring a camera. Doulas provide a variety of support, depending on their skills and experience. The usual arrangement is that a Doula will meet with you a few times in the weeks leading up to the birth, be present for the birth, of course, then meet for an agreed number of post-natal visits. Before the birth, a Doula who is so qualified may offer massage, or give qualified advice in her field of expertise. A post-partum Doula will spend more time after the birth, usually helping with breast-feeding, giving emotional support, helping with other children in the home. Some post-partum Doulas do cooking and light housekeeping. Payment is contracted in advance with an agreed upon list of duties and expectations. A couple should be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars for a birth Doula; however there is a wide range of possibilities in this area. For some women being a Doula is her only source of income and she may not be in a position to give away her services. Other women are happy to be volunteer Doulas. A good match for your circumstances can be easily found by inquiring among expectant friends, at your birth hospital or health unit. Good on-line sources are www.doulacare.ca or www.dona.org (the Doulas of North America website). The guiding principle of Doula service is that every woman deserves Doula.
Gertrude King |
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