RECOMMENDED READING The Birth Partner Penny Simkin, PT _____________________ The Doula Book Marshall Klaus, MD John Kennell, MD Phyllis Klaus, CSW MFT _____________________ Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn Penny Simkin, PT Janet Whalley, RN,BSN Ann Keppler, RN, MN _____________________ Gentle Birth Choices Barbara Harper, RN |
| Doula Certifying Organizations |
| DONA - Doulas of North America CAPPA: Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Assn ICEA: International Childbirth Education Assn CBI: Childbirth International Aviva Institute - Online Program |
| Copyright 2007-09 LJEL Enterprises, Incorporated |
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| Role of A Doula |
| Reading Recommendations |
their birth experience, require fewer interventions, and have higher
rates of breastfeeding than women without doula support.
Women who use doulas are:
rates of breastfeeding than women without doula support.
Women who use doulas are:
- 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean sction
- 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
- 28% less likely to use pain medication
- 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth
experience (Hodnett and colleagues 2004)
Doctors, midwives, and nurses are overworked in labor and delivery where a laboring woman needs constant attention. They must focus on once. The emotional and physical comfort of a woman come in second. While most have their partner in attendance or other family members this good intentioned group can only do so much. Partners also have their own vulnerabilities and needs during the birth of their baby. This is where a doula comes in. She is not a medical professional, does not do medical exams, listen to heart tones, or provide any kind of medical diagnosis or procedures. Instead her focus is entirely on the non-medical side of pregnancy, labor/delivery, and the immediate postpartum period. She is specifically trained in comfort measures to help with pain relief and provides emotional support. She provides educational support for mom and partner so that they may make the best decisions for the birth of their baby. During your prenatal visits a doula will learn more about your birth goals more about what may be of help to you for physical comfort and coping strategies and will work with you in preparation for your labor. You doula will bring to your birth, not her own agenda, but those desires and goals of you and your partner. |
