Doula

Doula is a Greek word meaning “servant” (or even slave),  it is a woman serving other woman.

A doula is a birth companion who can support and “mother the mother” during labour, so that she in turn can mother her newborn. The presence of a doula works like a very powerful pain-killer, and dramatically reduces the need for medical intervention. It even reassures the baby: fetal distress is much lower!

A RIGHT BIRTH IS A BABY’S BIRTHRIGHT

The DOULA is not  “nice extra”, it is evidence based and the essence of reproductive biology. John Kennell  stated “If the doula was a drug, it would be unethical not to use it”. Sometimes people look at the actual delivery at birth as the finishing line of a marathon … it is actually the beginning of an exciting journey. Well it should be, it is not always.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A DOULA?

Decreases need for

  • epidurals by 60%
  • caesarean by 50%
  • synthetic  oxytocin by 40%
  • forceps assistance by 40%
  • pain medication by 30%
  • length of labour by 25%

(from research by  Klaus and Kennell , Hofmeyr, and others)

In developing the concept of the KANGAROULA,

Jill started working as a doula, but with a nurturescience focus!

The following describes the role she adopted as a doula at that time.

BEFORE BIRTH I:

  • Meet with parents to support them in their choices of childbirth
  • Help parents to identify their birth wishes if needed
  • Give evidence-based information about available options for childbirth
    e.g.  home birth, midwife delivery,  waterbirth,    hospital  birth       OR   caesarean
  • I explain the neuroscience of their baby’s brain growth to the parents.

DURING LABOUR  I AIM TO SUPPORT MOTHER AND FATHER BY:

Doula support during labour

Doula support during labour

  • Supporting mum emotionally
  • helping create  sense of safety for the mother -a SAFE PLACE
  • helping physically and practically during  labour to provide pain relief
  • encouraging ACTIVE LABOUR using a ball, walking, chair, bath, etc
  • -Supporting mum through labour to natural birth, or caesarean should that be needed.
  • -encouraging dad to be part of the  birth, and give him practical ways to help mum
  • -explaining how the mum’s body is working in labour and the movement of the baby
  • “translating” the medical jargon that the staff uses for the parents
  • working WITH the medical staff
  • supporting the mother emotionally when things don’t go as planned and the birth plan changes
  • I MOTHER THE MOTHER AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME SO THAT SHE IN TURN CAN MOTHER HER BABY,
    AND HELP THEM START A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP.

A Doula:

  • Recognizes childbirth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
  • Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour.
  • Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth
  • Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman gain access to the information she needs to make good decisions.
  • Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and the medical care providers.
  • Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of her birth experience.

The benefits of Doula support do not end after the labour and birth. Worldwide research shows:

  • Better attachment and bonding between mother and baby.
  • Reduced need for medical intervention.
  • Reduced incidence of post partum depression.
  • Improved mother and baby well-being.
  • Positive feelings about labour and birth.
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