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What
is a Birth Doula? The word doula is Greek for caregiver. Doulas are trained and experienced labor companions that provide the expectant mother and father or partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during and just after birth. During labor, doulas provide comfort with non-medical pain relief techniques, such as positioning with a birth ball, breathing and sound techniques and basic massage and counter pressure techniques. Marshal Klaus MD and John Kennell MD explain that massage helps stimulate the production of natural oxytocin. When the pituitary gland secretes natural oxytocin to the bloodstream it causes uterine contractions and also secretes it to the brain. This results in a feeling of well- being and greater pain threshold. Because synthetic oxytocin cannot cross into the blood stream and brain, it increases contractions without the positive psychological effects of natural oxytocin.
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 I wanted to thank you again for being so willing to help me. As I've been reviewing Andy's birth in my mind, I realize more and more how important it was for me to have you there. I know that I would have been a statistic without your help and that would have left me very unsatisfied. YOU made a difference in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you...I can't say it enough. -Tamara Congratulations Marcus and Tamara. It was an honor to be at the birth of Andy and to share in your joyous day. Blessings - Lauren |
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Why Hire a Birth Doula? "The evidence in favor of doulas comes from more than eleven carefully designed studies: Quite simply, hiring one cuts in half the odds of your having an unnecessary cesarean. It also halves the odds of your having a forceps or vacuum delivery. That's not all! Having a doula also shortens labor by greatly reducing stress, pain and anxiety." --From Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, p.237 "Why
Does the National U.S. Cesarean Section Rate Keep Going Up?" |
Doula:
A Doula is non-medical support. We
are labor companions that
provide the We are on call
for all your questions and concerns for the two weeks prior to your
due date and two weeks past your due date. We arrive when you begin
active labor and stay with you continuously until one - two hours
after the baby is born. While the doctors,
nurses, and midwife come and go, the doula stays by your side from
the moment she arrives until you deliver the baby. We
are trained and experienced labor companions who help you through
many of the unexpected moments that may |
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Should I Hire a Birth Doula if the Father Will be There? The doula's only role is to be the support system for the expectant parents. The doula will be there while the father takes a break for meals, to use the bathroom, or to watch the other children, or simply to sleep and rest during the many hours of labor. DONA doulas are
trained in educating the expectant parents with evidenced based information
which will lower stress and pain. With a doula present the father can
do whatever he feels comfortable doing at each moment. Doulas encourage
the father to use comfort measures, and can step in when he needs a
break. Not convinced? Here
are two books to help you decide if a hiring a Doula is right for you: |
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What
Other Services Do You Provide in Addition to the Doula Services?
Prenatal
and postnatal Reiki sessions are available. Reiki has been shown to
reduce stress and foster relaxation; which
promotes healing and a sense of well-being. Reiki is not a substitute for medical or diagnosis and treatment. Reiki practitioners do not diagnose conditions, nor do they prescribe or perform medical treatment, nor prescribe substances, nor interfere with the treatment of a licensed medical professional. Dr. Jeri Mills' experience on two important labour concerns, the difficulty and length of labour, and the need for C-sections: · "Besides helping with pain control in labor, Reiki seems to make people labour faster and deliver more easily." ·
"Women who had previous caesarian sections for seven pound babies
deemed too large to fit though their pelvis were having vaginal deliveries
of nine and ten pound babies. My c-section rate declined from approximately
20% to 5%." Italiced information can be found at http://www.magma.ca/~peterz/parenting.htm
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Can You Tell
Me About A Certified Nurse Midwife Who Will Support |
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How
Often Will
I Meet With My Doula? Birth doula services include one prenatal visit, one post labor visit and continuous support during active labor until about 1-2 hours after the delivery of the baby. |
Where Can
I Buy A Birth Supply Kit? Online Information
On Breastfeeding |
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The doula fee
schedule depends on your home location as well as the location where
you will give birth. Prenatal and postnatal Reiki sessions may be scheduled at the time of your prenatal visit. Fee schedules for Reiki to be discussed at first prenatal visit. Consultations to help decided if I am the right doula for you are free of charge. Call for more information or to set up a consultation or prenatal visit 718-380-3956 |
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For
those of you that live outside of the NYC area ask a Doula! Email service.
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