Doula is a Greek word that has come to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical support, emotional support and information to the mother and her partner, during and just after childbirth.
A doula:
l Builds a trusting relationship with the mother and her helper before labour.
l Enhances communication with the mother's doctor or midwife.
l Helps to develop a birth plan.
l Comes to the mother's home as early in labour as she is wanted.
l Stays at the mother's side throughout the entire labour.
l Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour.
l Provides the mother and her partner with explanations and reassurance throughout the process of labour.
l Helps the mother and her partner get the information they need during labour to make informed decisions.
l Recognizes childbirth as a key life experience and nurtures and protects the mother's memory of that experience.
l Supports breastfeeding in the first weeks.
A doula does NOT:
l Replace the valuable emotional and loving support of a woman's partner or loved
one.
l Offer medical advice.
l Perform medical tasks (i.e. vaginal exams, listening to the fetal heart.)
*Research studies have shown that the support of a doula results in :
l Shorter labours
l Reduction in the rate of caesarean sections
l Decrease in the use of forceps
l Reduction in the use of pain medications
l Decrease in requests for epidural anaesthesia
l Greater satisfaction with the birth experience for the mother and her partner
l Increased success with breastfeeding
* Mothering the mother: how a doula can help you have a shorter, easier, healthier birth by Klaus, Kendell and Klaus (1993)
A Birth Passion Birth Doula Package Includes:
l A free consultation to explain the role of the doula and services provided.
l 24 hour phone support (information and emotional support).
l 2 Prenatal visits to develop your birth plan and practice labour coping techniques.
l Continuous support throughout labour, birth and 2 hours postpartum.
l 2 Postpartum visits to discuss the birth, support breastfeeding and infant care skills.
l A Birth Story, a written account of the birth of your child.
Not currently accepting new clients. Please contact Niagara
Childbirth Doulas;
Pauline Selseotes (905)688-6974 , itsyourbirth@msn.com
Bonnie Slaa (905)563-3208 , birthwithbonnie@hotmail.com
Marian Visser (905)563-6215 , marian_doula@yahoo.com
