| Baby
on Board?
A doula’s role in maternal care.
by Helen Dresner, MS, PD
PARENTGUIDE News July 2007
Having a baby? Then you’re familiar with the myriad
emotions that come with expecting: excitement, anticipation, elation,
anxiety— and the list continues. How can women alleviate stress
during childbirth? By hiring a doula.
The word doula, of Greek origin, translates as “woman servant.”
In ancient times, doulas were women’s closest companions, their
confidants, who eased the challenges of their owners throughout the pregnancy
process.
The acceptance of doulas in maternity care today is growing rapidly. Families
are increasingly recognizing how doulas contribute to the physical and
emotional well-being of mothers and infants. The modern application of
doulas’ services to women helps new mothers to acquire the confidence
and skills to face the many challenges of motherhood during pregnancy,
childbirth and newborn care.
The concept of a doula falls within two categories of expertise: a labor
support doula and a postpartum doula.
The Labor Doula
The labor doula limits her care to the mother experiencing the birth,
whether the birth is natural or with any type of analgesic intervention.
Statistics have shown that the presence of a labor doula in the birthing
environment can actually reduce the chances of the birth necessitating
a cesarean section.
The labor doula encourages the expecting mother to adhere to the suggestions
imparted during childbirth class. Meanwhile, the doula bathes the mother’s
head and body with a cool cloth. Along with giving a gentle touch, the
doula offers advice that the mother might overlook, especially during
the challenging moments of labor.
A professional doula is schooled in all aspects of childbirth education,
including Lamaze, Bradley, hypnobirthing and birthing from within. Her
specialized support is present for the entire duration of a woman’s
labor; the doula never leaves the expecting mother’s side. As the
doula’s attention to the expecting mother is consistent and ongoing,
the doula is able to foresee to the mother’s every need.
Extensive training and skills allow the labor doula to keep the expecting
mother comfortable for hours. The doula understands the different positions
of childbirth, and why certain postures are most comforting and healthiest
for mother and her unborn baby. Using an ergonomically appropriate ball,
doulas ease women throughout contractions that are part of laboring stages.
Doulas apply massage and reflexology techniques. And from training, doulas
are aware of homeopathic applications of aromatherapy and essential oils.
The doula is also knowledgeable in the art of acupressure and counter
pressure— and she puts her knowledge to use in a continuous effort
to make the mother that much more comfortable.
If desired, a labor doula encourages the father or partner and significant
others to find some reprieve from the long hours that labor can present.
In addition, the family member or friend who plans to be an integral part
of the labor experience is assisted by the doula to be completely aware
of how to tend to the mother’s needs. The doula instructs, in a
non-intrusive manner, while always making the father feel needed. Caring
for a mother and empowering her to experience a positive birth is truly
a joint effort. The inclusion of other family members and close friends
during the labor is also welcomed!
The Postpartum Doula
The postpartum doula is the source of professional support a woman receives
in her home, as she faces the various responsibilities that concern the
care of the entire family following the infant’s birth. Postpartum
doulas can instruct mothers who have decided to breastfeed, but are uncertain
how to nurture their babies.
The postpartum doula is often described as a grandmother— with the
strength, kindness, skills and expertise that a wise woman can provide.
These collective traits allow a doula to guide a mother into her role
of parenting and caring for a newborn. New mothers face many new responsibilities,
from the care of the circumcision and umbilical cord, to the sleep and
bathing needs of an infant and the maintenance of a home where meals and
chores are always in place. The postpartum doula makes sure Mom is well-rested,
providing her with time to nap or just a quiet space to rest. The new
mother thus feels pampered during her doula’s stay. This time of
recovery also represents parents’ time to bond with their new loved
one. Doulas tend to moms and their homes, enabling new mothers and fathers
to spend all of their free time with their precious newborns.
Above all, both the labor and postpartum doulas do not have to be directed.
They anticipate the needs of the mother for whom they work, be it in a
hospital setting or at home following the birth. The doula does not need
to be told; she knows instinctively what has to be done, and she does
it well.
So, when someone asks, how you will remember the labor, delivery and early
postpartum care of your newborn, hopefully you will be able to respond
that the entire process was comfortable and successfully managed thanks
to a doula.
Helen Dresner, MS, PD, is a labor doula who is certified
by Doulas of North America and Childbirth and Postpartum Professional
Association. Dresner started supporting mothers and their babies in 1994.
She can be seen on The Baby Story, which airs on cable’s The Learning
Channel. Dresner is one of the founding members of the Doula Network of
Long Island. Learn more by calling (631)574-2250 or visiting www.doulanetworkofli.com.
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