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Doula Training Classes and Childbirth Education - Find a Doula in
your area.
The
concept of a doula is not new. Personal support by a close friend or
relative through labor is a tradition that goes back many years in
all cultures. Some women do not live in close-knit communities where
their sisters, mothers, aunts, and friends are there to support them
through pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood; these events can be
scary and can make a woman feel lost if she has to experience them
alone.
A doula helps fill this gap by providing support to the
woman and her partner or support system throughout the childbearing
year. A doula does not replace the support system; instead, they
help support them so that they can focus on loving and encouraging
the laboring woman. Doulas can serve as a source of information
during pregnancy, labor and birth. A doula assists families in
gathering information about their pregnancy, labor and the options
available for delivery.
Doulas can be trained and experienced in childbirth, however, in
most countries there is no government regulation of their training.
Their goal is to provide continuous physical, emotional, and
informational support before and during labor, birth, and the
immediate postpartum period. The intent of a doula is to help the
woman have a safe and satisfying experience, as the woman defines
it.
A labor doula or birth doula is someone who provides
non-medical support (physical and emotional) to a woman leading up
to and during her labor and delivery, an aspect of care that was
traditionally practiced in midwifery. A labor doula may attend a
woman having a home birth or a woman laboring at home before
transporting to a hospital or a birth center, where she will
continue support.
Doulas do not perform clinical duties such as heart rate checks
or vaginal exams, or give medical advice. Labor doulas rely on
techniques like massage, aromatherapy, visualization, positive
positioning, emotional support, encouragement, and nurturing to help
women through labor. Many offer phone and email support as well as
prenatal and postpartum visits to ensure the mother is informed and
supported. The doula is also an ally for the father or partner, who
may have little experience with the labor process.
Often the doula will help the partner find ways to support the
laboring woman. Studies have shown that childbirth education can
help reduce paternal anxiety and one of the doula's roles is to
educate. A responsible doula supports, encourages, and educates the
father or partner in his or her support style rather than replacing
them.
A postpartum doula a.k.a. postnatal doula provides support
to the mother and family following the birth and immediate
postpartum period. This can be for a few days or up to and beyond
six weeks, depending on need. This may include breastfeeding
support, newborn care assistance, cooking, light housekeeping and
errands. She offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental
support during for the few weeks following the birth. |