 | Susie M. Martinez, LMT Licensed Massage Therapist Friendswood, Texas |  |
Services:
Therapeutic Massage
Relaxation Massage
Sea Salt Body Glows
Table Massage
Chair Massage
Spa Parties
Gift Certificates
Certified Labor
Specialist:
Prenatal Massage
Labor Massage
Infant Massage
Telephone: (832) 423-4584
What Is A Doula?
In ancient Greece, the female servant who attended the lady of the house during childbirth was called a doula. Today, it has come to mean "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth." In addition, doulas offer guidance and community resource referrals to families regarding maternal self-care, lactation, and other issues through the first six weeks postpartum. A doula is sometimes referred to as a labor support person, specialist, or companion. A doula does not provide medical care, advice, or interpretations. A woman who does provide medical care as well as support is called a birth/labor assistant or monitrice. She may check blood pressure, assess fetal heart tones, or perform an internal exam. These things are beyond the scope of practice for a birth doula.
What Can A Doula Do For You?
Physically, a doula helps with position changes, relaxation, breathing, and various other comfort measures. Emotionally, a doula provides constant reasurance, encouragement, and a supportive environment for the family. Infomationally, a doula offers the mother details regarding labor and birth, coping skills, and interventions for decision-making purposes. It is important for the mother to discuss her preferences regarding types and levels of each kind of support with her birth team. Respecting her wishes and individual preferences helps develop a trust relationship. That relationship is what makes the woman feel safe when she is birthing.
The doula does not replace the mother's partner. In fact, partners tend to be more involved due to the doula's guidance and do not feel overwhelmed by having all the responsibility for her support. A doula adds a new dimension to the birth team. Her role is to nurture and protect the woman's birth experience. She will advocate and/or mediate on behalf of the client and birth plan regardless of her own birth philosophy.
The doula brings with her a wealth of knowledge, skills, and tools to assist the mother. Many doulas have birth bags full of "tools of the trade" to promote the mother's comfort (cold/heat packs, massagers, a birthing ball, music, etc.).
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Doula?
Since 1980, research has documented several benefits associated with the use of a doula. The studies showed significant decreases in interventions such as cesarean births (by 50%), epidurals (by 60%), pitocin (by 40%), narcotics (by 30%), and forceps (by 30%). Shortening the length of labor by 25% is another advantage of having a doula present. Beneficial results are also evident during the postpartum period. The baby has fewer health problems, breastfeeding is more successful, and there is less chance of postpartum depression for mothers. Positive feelings about the birth lead to feelings of confidence about one's self and the ability to parent.
Choosing A Doula
When looking for a doula, try checking with your midwife or doctor, area hospitals or birth centers, local doula and childbirth education associations, or breastfeeding and other support groups. The newspaper, phone book, or Internet may also provide ads or listings for doulas. When choosing a doula, consider these issues:
What does her support include? Ask about:
International Childbirth Education Association believes in "freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives." The organization strongly encourages consumers to ask questions. Takng this responsiblity will lead to a more satisfying birth experience. Knowledge is empowering, so investigating and choosing wisely will add to your confidence. If you have been proactive in your approach, there will be fewer doubts about the paths chosen.
When a doula exhibits a sense of confidence in the woman and the birth process, it becomes contageous. Approaching birth as a normal life event leads to a belief in the mother's ability fo cope. Listening to the woman and allowing her to direct the symphony of her own birth further empowers her to parent confidently. Validating her feelings, concerns, and attitudes, is another role of the doula, because she is often a woman who has given birth herself. She can relate to and empathize with her client's circumstances, even if they are very different from her own. Benefitting from another woman's experience from childbirth is how it's been done for thousands of years. Each generation helped and taught one another how to assist the next generation of laboring women. This process of "mothering the mother" works. Consider letting it work for you. Happy birthing!
Aother kind of doula is available for the family once they arrive at home. A postpartum doula can be hired to provide mother, baby, and sibling care. Her services may include light housework, meal preparation, and short errands. Sometimes postpartum doulas are brought in to assist with overnight feedings for twins, or so a mom recovering from a cesarean can sleep through the night. They are particularly helpful for those without family members nearby or available. Some birth doulas extend their practice to include postpartum services.
When choosing a doula, consider the "fit." Do your personalities mesh? Do you feel comfortable with her style? Are you satisfied with her level of experience? Do you feel confident in her capabilities? Do you think her specific services are appropriate for you? Many doulas provide a list of past clients for potential clients to call. That way, couples can discuss roles and expectations with people who have already interacted with a doula.