Student Doulas looking for Pregnant Women

I thought a Doula was one of “Con the Fruiterer’s” daughters.

“A Doula is a professionally trained…”

Is this professional training to a recognised standard, such as government recognition. My Google searching shows that one provider in Aus claims a Cert IV qual, yet all others use words such as “certified”, “professionally trained”, etc….

Just a word of caution; Always check credentials and professional standing.

The only contact I have ever had with a Doulas was at an event one presented for expecting fathers. The Doulas provided incorrect advice in regards to current best and actual practice at ACT hospitals as well as largely presented an outlook that marginalised the role of the father in support and decision-making. She seems to be primarily concerned with selling us copies of her book.

I would highly recommend having the support and asssistance of a doula during, and in the lead up to, birth.

LSWCHP said :

OK, I’ll bite.

What’s a doula?

A person who assists a woman thru the birthing Process – Like a birthing partner – they are Huge in Europe and Scandinavia.

LSWCHP said :

OK, I’ll bite.

What’s a doula?

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Doula

🙂

LSWCHP said :

OK, I’ll bite.

What’s a doula?

A Doula is a professionally trained labour support person who is hired by a mother (and her partner?) to provide continuous physical, emotional and information and support during before, during and after birth. A Doula generally provides support to a mother and her partner through pregnancy and until the post partum period.

A Doula assist with Birth plan preparation and can demonstrate breathing and relaxation techniques and comfort measures for pregnancy and labour. The Doula will provide information, support and referral when required. The Doula will not provide medical advice to the couple.
Importantly, most often the Doula will become a friend and sounding board for ideas, inspiration, concerns and planning. The Doula’s role is to listen and provide support suitable to each individual, and to foster mutual respect. This is generally consists of 3-4 (1.5-2hr each long) appointments with the Mother and preferably the partner during pregnancy.

The Doula will meet with the couple at their home, hospital or birth centre once labour has started (or when woman is ready for support) and remain with them throughout the labour.

The Doula will provide continuous emotional support by providing reassurance and encouragement to the couple. The Doula can make suggestions for labour progress, help with breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, positioning and comfort measures. Including non medicated pain relief.

A Doula may also facilitate communication between the mother and her partner and the care providers. While she will not interfere with the clinical management chosen by the couple, the Doula will often assist the mother and partner to ask questions and get the information they require to make informed choices. Importantly, the Doula will know the individual support requirements of the couple and work with this information toward a healthy outcome for mother and baby. The Doula will also point out departures from the birth plan, respecting at all times the decisions of the mother and her partner during labour.

The Doula normally remains with the couple for 1 – 2 hours after the birth, or until they are comfortable and ready for some quiet time together. After the birth, the Doula is available for debriefing about the birth and any support, including breastfeeding and settling techniques.

The Doula will often meet with the couple 1 – 2 times after the birth, or as negotiated prior to the birth.

Limitations of the Doula service
• Doulas do not perform medical/clinical tasks such as blood pressure checks, foetal monitoring, or vaginal examinations. Doulas will not provide medical advice.
• Doulas do not make decisions for the mother and her partner.
• Doulas do not speak to the staff instead of the mother and her partner regarding matters where decisions are being made.
• Doulas will offer suggestions and present options; however they will not make clinical assessments or decisions concerning the pregnancy, birth or the newborn. The Doula will help the couple get the information necessary to make informed decisions and remind them if there is a departure from the birth plan.
• Decisions and actions are the sole responsibility of the labouring woman and her partner. Therefore, professionally and personally the Doula will not take any responsibility for the outcome of the labour and birth.

OK, I’ll bite.

What’s a doula?

I don’t think the name “Grub96” is a particularly good fit with the topic. You might reconsider that as part of your marketing strategy! I wouldn’t hire a doula from someone calling themselves a grub!

Sorry, had our first 4 days ago.