Taking Part In A Miracle…

I loved giving birth to my two sons. I will treasure the memories of their births more than any other event in my life.

I have always been awestruck by pregnancy and childbirth. When I realized an opportunity existed to attend women during their labor, I immediately pursued this dream.

I received my first certification through the Doulas of North America (DONA). My certification included a comprehensive training course, study, and, the best part–attending births!

When I received my certification, it was a family affair. My husband wrote to me, “Congratulations on your certification. I’m so proud of what you have accomplished. After all of your hard work and dedication I think you are gonna be a great doula. I just want you to know that I love you and I’ll continue to support you in any way I can.” He and my children continue to be very supportive!

I am also proud to be a part of the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS).

The American Academy of Family Physicians encourages the use of doulas because [they] decrease the need for pain medication, which in turn increases breastfeeding success rates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages the use of doulas because their use lowers cesarean section rates in hospitals. (Source: Gurevich, The Doula Advantage)

Effects on the birth outcome:

• Labors are 25% to 50% shorter
• There are fewer complications
• Cesarean rates are reduced by up to 51%
• There is a 40% less need for Pitocin to speed up labor
• 71% reduction in use of oxytocin
• Use of forceps is reduced by 57%
• Women request less or no pain medications and epidurals (30% to 60%)

Effects on the parents:

• Women report greater satisfaction with childbirth and their abilities to be a good mother
• Mothers have more positive assessments of their babies
• Less postpartum depression
• 70% of couples were more satisfied with their relationship six weeks postpartum, compared to only 30% of couples without doulas

Effects on the baby:

• Newborns have shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to special care nurseries
• Newborns breastfeed more easily
• Facilitates affectionate bonding between mother and child postpartum

Effects on the healthcare system:

• Obstetrical care costs are dramatically reduced
• Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer
• Nurses are less stressed knowing that there is a professional doula with the mother at all times
• The American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, World Health Organization, Medical Leadership Council of Washington, DC, and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada all encourage the use of doulas

(Source:Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus: Mothering the Mother)

“I couldn’t and wouldn’t practice obstetrics today without doulas. They give me the confidence of knowing the laboring mother is not frightened…and is always in the capable hands of a professional labor assistant. The quality and continuity of care should not be regarded as an “extra”, but as an essential and irreplaceable part of the birthing experience.” Harlan Ellis, MD, in Special Women

• What is a doula?
• What can a doula do for me?
• I am planning to have an epidural, why would I need a doula?
• I have a scheduled Cesarean birth. Is a doula worth it for me?
• Can I call you for support before my labor? What about after?
• What is a birth plan, and how can you assist me with it?
• As a husband and father-to-be, I feel that a doula would be taking away from this very personal experience and make me feel left out. Is that true?
• What happens if I go into labor and you are unavailable?
• Will you come to my home first, or will you just meet me at the hospital?
• My sister has had several children and is planning on attending my birth. Can’t she just serve as a doula?
• I am a first-time mother and want to breastfeed, but am very nervous and unsure of myself. How can you help me?
• At which hospitals/birthing centers do you attend birth?
• Do you attend homebirths?
• How much will it cost to have you attend my birth?

What is a doula?

Pronounced doo’lah, the term comes from the ancient Greek used to describe a woman experienced in childbirth that provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

A birth doula:

• Recognizes childbirth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Assists the mother in preparing for and carrying out her plans for the birth
• Stays with the mother throughout labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
• Facilitates communication between the laboring mother, her partner, and clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protective of the mother’s memory of the birth experience

(Source: DONA, Doulas of North America)

What can a doula do for me?

Aside from the many medical advantages to having a doula, there are several things a doula will do for you to help you have a positive birth experience. Here are just a few things I, as a doula, can do for you:

• Give informational support, including books, videos, and pamphlets on pregnancy, exercises to facilitate the best fetal position for your baby, and positions of labor.
• Assist in developing a birth plan.
• Provide information on pain management techniques, including all the risks and benefits to certain procedures, and all options available. I will fully support you in your decisions.
• I will not speak for my clients, but I will inform them and let them know of their options so that they can make informed decisions during labor.
• Help to maintain the birthing environment by dimming the lights, playing soft music, or keeping family members occupied. I will be there if your partner needs to leave the room. You will never be left alone, unless that is your wish.
• Provide help with positioning in labor, and physical support, such as a acupressure.
• Help you with your initial breastfeeding experience.

I am planning to have an epidural, why would I need a doula?

Even though you will have an epidural, the labor is not pain free, and you may need more help than a non-medicated mother during the pushing stage, especially if you cannot feel to push. A doula can also help by doing such things as reminding family to eat, getting extra pillows or ice chips, and especially, continue to be reassuring and informative should complications arise.

I have a scheduled Cesarean birth. Is a doula worth it for me?

“A doula can help you get answers to your questions and formulate a birth plan for a cesarean section. Once inside the operating room, your doula will assist you in knowing what is going on by giving you details of whatever you wish to know… Your doula will be at your side.

One important fact to remember about the cesarean is that the baby is born in the first few minutes. The rest of the nearly hour long procedure is the repair. If your husband is busy with the baby or in the nursery, you would otherwise be alone during this period…

During the postpartum period your doula can suggest post-operative comfort measures. She can assist you with any breastfeeding…Your doula can also help with reminding the staff about your birth plan and special needs you may have.”

(Source: Cesarean: Do I Need A Doula? Robin E. Weiss)

Can I call you for support before my labor? What about after?

I am available via phone and email during your entire pregnancy to answer your questions and offer my support as much as you need it, as well as to loan you videos and books on pregnancy. Starting two weeks prior to your due date, I am available 24 hours a day for you. After the birth, I usually remain with you for 1-2 hours, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding, if necessary. I am available by phone to answer questions about the birth of your baby, and I am available at a follow-up visit.

What is a birth plan, and how can you assist me with it?

A birth plan is a description of what you would like your ideal birth experience to be. I can help you prepare a birth plan by discussing options and possibilities, and then, assist you in writing a birth plan that will be clear and concise, and easy for the hospital staff or clinical caregivers to understand.

As a husband and father-to-be, I feel that a doula would be taking away from this very personal experience and make me feel left out. Is that true?

A doula does not take the place of the laboring mother’s partner, family or friends. Rather, she can bring the couple closer together by making sure dad’s needs are met, so he can give undivided emotional support to his wife. Actually, according to a recent study, 70% of mothers who had a doula reported feeling more satisfied with their relationship six weeks postpartum. Only 30% of the moms who did not have a doula reported that their relationship had improved after birth. (The Doula Advantage, page 67)

For dads who want to be actively involved in the birth experience, a doula can guide him on how to support his wife.

A doula has accompanied many couples through the birth experience and gained the knowledge needed to help each couple achieve the desired birth experience. She helps the dad to be more involved and more effective. The nurses can not be with you at every moment or may not be at liberty to answer your questions in an unbiased manner. The doula fulfills this role so that parents receive the information they need to make informed decisions. In essence, freeing up the dad to provide uninterrupted emotional support to his partner, and not having to play the role of advocate, liaison, educator etc…as well as provide support. (All About Moms: Doulas)

What happens if I go into labor and you are unavailable?

I will always inform clients of times when I am unavailable for labor support. To cover those times, I wil arrange one or more backup doulas whom you may also meet. Of course, you have as much choice over your backup as your primary doula.

Will you come to my home first, or will you just meet me at the hospital?

I can come to your home first if you would like to labor at home for awhile, or I can meet you at the hospital, it is your choice.

My sister has had several children and is planning on attending my birth. Can’t she just serve as a doula?

Your sister will be a wonderful addition to your birthing experience, and surely, she can assist you in feeling more comfortable during this special time. As a doula, I can help to make family relationships stronger by freeing your sister to be completely emotionally available to you. As a professional doula, having received previous certification through DONA, the oldest and largest international doula organization in North America, you can be sure that:

• I am committed to maintaining and practicing the highest standards of ethics and practice
• I have been trained by an organization that focuses specifically on doulas and has trained more doulas than any other organization in the world
• I maintain a level of professionalism with clinical caregivers

I am a first-time mother and want to breastfeed, but am very nervous and unsure of myself. How can you help me?

I am available directly after birth to support you in your initial breastfeeding experience, and I can give you informational support on where to find a specialist if one is needed.

At which hospitals/birthing centers do you attend birth?

I will attend you at the hospital/birthing center of your choice, but I ask that you let your care provider know in advance that you have hired a doula for your birth.

Do you attend homebirths?

Yes, I enjoy attending homebirths!

How much will it cost to have you attend my birth?

For information on fees and contact information, click here.

“As a doula, I will…provide emotional support, physical comfort, and, as needed, communications with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions. As your doula, I am working exclusively for you…”

Doula Services

• Two prenatal visits
• Assistance in writing your birth plan
• Unlimited phone consultations
• 24 hour availability from two weeks prior to due date until the birth
• Continuous support during labor providing comfort measures
• Immediate postpartum and breastfeeding support after the birth
• Assistance in seeking insurance reimbursement for doula services

For fee and contact information, click here.

My Birth Philosophy

I view birth as a natural and biological function of a woman’s body. There are times when childbirth can occur without the use of medication or interventions and times when help is necessary.

Either way, childbirth can be a wonderful, memorable experience. My goal as your doula is to help you facilitate your established birth plan.

Of all the joys that lighten suffering earth, what joy is welcomed like a newborn child? –Caroline Norton

“Doulas definitely serve as a good liason between L&D nurses, MD, and requests of the patient.” –Doctor attending Max’s birth

“Having Susan at my home waterbirth was an absolute necessity. Her attention to the tiniest details–from reminding me of my wishes in my birth plan, to her ability to support me emotionally–was what made the difference between having a great birth experience to having a phenomenal one! She is a remarkable doula with a wonderful gift to calm and heal….I plan on having more children, but I wouldn’t want to have them without Susan as my doula!” –Misty, Esther’s mom

“It was a very long and difficult labor. Susan was supportive and positive when events happened that were not part of the plan. She was very patient and there when needed and was able to step back and give space when it was needed.” –CNM attending birth

The baby was turned OP. Through techniques suggested and assisted by the doula, we were able to turn her just shortly before the birth!” –Amy, Kaley’s mom

“As a 4th time mother and [labor and delivery nurse], I expected my own expertise and experience to make this pregnancy and birth easy and to put it simply, normal.

…when I began having contractions at 39 weeks,…Susan met me at the hospital…She kept me focused and reminded me that this may not be it, and if it wasn’t that their were many options to help me get through until it was…Needless to say I was devastated when I was sent home [because I was not dilating].

The next morning, Susan came to my door with a [birth ball]. She…felt that maybe the baby was posterior…I thought she was nuts…[but] I tried it.

I woke the next morning…having contractions every 3 minutes. Upon arriving [at the hospital] I was indeed found to be in labor and delivered 45 minutes after arriving. Susan reminded me the whole time to look in the mirror (I had missed all my previous births and she remembered how important it was to view the birth of my son!)

Without her support, knowledge and memory, I would have sunk into a depression and may have stayed there indefinitely. I also feel she helped my son to turn into a more suitable position thus finally progressing my labor process. I wouldn’t have survived this last few days of pregnancy without her being there and she was my most treasured asset with this birth. I would recommend her to anyone, those with prior birth experience or not. I now have the pleasure of having the memory of seeing my son be born, and I know that I made an invaluable friend. — Tracey, Riley’s mom

“Having your consistent encouragement helped ease what was a very challenging 28 hours…We can’t imagine what we’d have done without you.” –Tom, Blair, and Baby Graham

Labor Support Services offers a wonderful package for the expectant family. The standard fee for services described in the Labor Support Services Agreement is $450.00

Download and View the Labor Support Services Contract and Agreement

Download and View the Client Questionnaire Form (MS Word Format)

I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss your upcoming birth and how my services could benefit you and your family. Please complete the following form, or call 832-368-9669.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

]]> http://www.houstondoula.com/?feed=rss2&p=59 http://www.houstondoula.com/?p=94 http://www.houstondoula.com/?p=94#comments Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:06:47 +0000 admin http://www.houstondoula.com/?p=94

Here are some great resources to learn more about doulas and how doulas benefit the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum process: