Monday, July 21, 2008

ALL ABOUT DOULAS

What is a doula?

A labour supporter (doula) offers you and your partner reassurance, practical assistance, and information during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood so that you feel cared for, informed, and confident.

A doula is a skilled professional who offers you a type of support no one else can.

focuses completely on you and your needs,

no shift changes or other commitments to attend to can support you at your home in the early stages of labour, as well as through your hospital stay

after the birth supports your partner as well as you, giving him someone to rely on, and freeing his energies to be there for you knows plenty of tips for the journey through birth, including massage, positioning, use of heat and cold, and ways to soothe and restore the body

provides an objective sounding board when you need to talk things over

can help facilitate when you need to make a decision

helps you cope with confusion and fear when dealing with any complications in pregnancy,

assists you in investigating your options

A doula's role is defined by you. Different couples will want their doula to help them in different ways. You call the shots.A doula does not make decisions for you. She does not have an agenda she wants you to follow – this is your birth, not hers. A doula does not advocate on your behalf; instead she can help you find the information you want and serves as a facilitator, so you can communicate with your medical caregivers in the most effective way. She can help you develop strategies for putting your plans into action. But ultimately it is always you who is in charge of your birth!

Cited from Parentlink

Labels: birth, method, parentlink