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What is a doula?

 

Doula – A Greek word meaning "woman’s servant".

 

There are  a variety of different types of doulas. Some of the ones that are becoming more popular are antepartum, birth and postpartum.

 

  • Antepartum doulas support mom during pregnancy - oft times antepartum care is needed or desired with special circumstances or high-risk pregnancy.

  • Birth doulas support mothers and spouses/partners during the birth.

  • Postpartum doulas support the whole family, during the postpartum period. This type of doula can be especially helpful with multiples and women healing after a cesarean section birth - but women with vaginal births and one baby can benefit greatly as well.

 

Speaking specifically on postpartum doulas this comes from the  CAPPA website:

 

Postpartum Doulas DO:

 

  • Provide non-biased emotional, physical, and informational support during the postpartum period

  • Encourage the family to seek care that reflects their values and needs

  • Models and teaches effective communication

  • Encourage informed decision making

  • Support the physical and emotional healing of the mother

  • Provide information on care options and resources for the mother and newborn

  • Support and assists with infant feeding

  • Educate the family on newborn care and characteristics

  • Provide support to the new mother’s partner and/or family

  • Assist with household organization

  • Refer to healthcare professionals when support requires clinical assessment, a need for prescription, or medical diagnosis

 

 Postpartum Doulas DO NOT:

 

  • Diagnose medical conditions

  • Interpret medical diagnoses or clinical results

  • Prescribe or administer treatment of medical conditions

  • Perform clinical procedures

  • Take over complete care of the infant

  • Transport any family members

  • Stay alone with babies or other children

  • “Sleep train” babies

  • Act as a housekeeper or nanny

 

Research tells us that women who experience postpartum support from Doulas have:

  • Greater breastfeeding success

  • Greater self-confidence

  • Less postpartum depression

  • Greater feelings of support for and from the partner, which can have a significant impact on their partner's own experience

  • Lower incidence of abuse than those who do not have a Doula

  • Timely referrals to competent, appropriate professionals and support groups

  • More education on what to expect from a newborn

  • Increased baby-soothing skills

  • Greater sense of communication and bonding with their infant

  • Better coping skills

 

 

My Philosophy:

 

I'm a proud member of Temecula Valley Doulas and trained through CAPPA as a trained postpartum doula and lactation educator. It is my goal to support you in this time of change. Traditionally women (and men) were raised around growing families and watched mothers soothe, nurse, and overall care for their babies… they would have watched the integral role of the father and extended family play as well.

 

Closer to home, the postpartum period in “western society” has become something of a time of exclusion, solitude and distance. People often times avoid emotionally and physically supporting new families, with the idea that they aren’t needed or wanted. Maybe their own experience of being alone during their life drives that or maybe its just a pure lack of awareness how to support a new, growing family. The thing is we -know- support is needed. We know that women who have the kind of support they need and desire have lower incidences of depression; we have yet to fully turn the corner back to a time where new parents are surrounded with loving supportive people. My goal is to work myself “out of a job” meaning when I leave you, each day, and at the end of our contaracted time together that you are more confident and empowered to care for your new family!

 

This is indeed a time of transition. It usually will feel like the road is bumpy and looooong with no end in sight. We sometimes get trapped in the mindset that what is happening right now will continue to happen foever - and it just isn't so. When you look back on all of this, it is my hope you will look back with joy and happiness at one of the best, most rewarding times of your life. 

"Present health care practices in much of the developed world, combined with a lack of cultural rituals leave families virtually unsupported in the crucial year of childbirth. There is a great deal of evidence suggesting that quality support can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to the family. By educating, attending to the needs of the parents, infant and children and by offering quality referral information, the postpartum doula can ease and enhance the postpartum experience. Every family can benefit from the support and encouragement offered by a doula during the fourth trimester."

 

DONA Intl.

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