Congratulations On Your Pregnancy!
With each new blossom a plant grows and becomes more beautiful. With the birth of each new baby a family grows and becomes increasingly more beautiful. An important element to remember is that the emergence of the blossom, whether a flower or baby, is a natural process. One in which the mother's body knows instinctively what to do. Birth is also driven by what the Mom feels is best for her, her family, and her new baby. A doula's role in the birth of a child is:
- Help create a birth as close as possible to a mother's ideal.
- Provide facts and research, so a mother can make an informed choice.
- Provide comfort measures, and emotional support.
- Provide support to the birthing partner.
- Instill a sense of confidence, and empowerment in the mother.
A doula's support begins before the baby is due to establish a relationship, and practice comfort measures in prenatal visits. Support continues postpartum to help establish breastfeeding, and bonding, as well as a followup visit to go over the birth.
What is a Doula?
- Doula, a Greek term, means "mothering the mother."
- She sees Birth as a key-life event, which will be remembered by the mother all her life.
- She understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of the woman in labor.
- She knows multiple comfort measures such as massage and good positions to aid in comfort through the birth process.
- She meets with mother/couple prior to birth to learn birth preferences and to assist with birth planning.
- She stays with the woman throughout labor and birth.
- She assists the mother's partner and family throughout labor and birth.
- She facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and the staff.
- She helps with breastfeeding preparation and the first feeding after birth.
- She writes a birth story for the family.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but rather of power and love and self-control.
II Timothy 1:7
