Pregnancy Buzz
>> Pregnancy Buzz
Considering a Doula?
June 1, 2009 at 7:00 AM by Cafe MicheleZ - Comments (7)
Photo by JSVDP
According to Doulas of North America, the word doula is Greek for "a woman who serves" and is now referred to as "a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the post-partum period."
I have a couple of friends who are doulas, and though they haven't been a doula for me (yet), one was my sister's doula. My sister, Jen, and her husband, Phil, continue to sing her praises, and share how much she really did help them feel empowered, informed, and reduced a lot of the stress they were feeling. Phil felt that having a doula was especially helpful for him.
When my mom first learned that Jen and Phil were consulting with a doula, she had no idea what that meant. Doula? Foreign word to her. And she couldn't quite wrap her head around it even when we were all at the hospital when Jen was giving birth.
London, my sister's doula, came recommended by a friend of mine. And London was amazing -- someone I bonded with and plan on working with for my babies' births.
Are you considering a doula?
FILED UNDER: fathers, labor, the pregnant life
Comments:
Well, I always thought a Doula was the equivalent of a midwife. This info here cleared that for me. I actually had a midwife for the deliveries of my two children. Well, I actually delivered my second one via c-section, but labored with a midwife. I think it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I got to have my first baby at home, born where myself, hubby, and child would feel the most comfortable. I was surrounded only by people I knew well and trusted, and I knew they only had our best interest at heart. IMO, I think everyone expecting a child, should consider all their options, and not just think that they have to "settle" with whatever is considered the "norm" for the times.
If I had the money, I would have a doula. I don't have either, unfortunately.
Rana, I would be your doula!!!
IMO, I think everyone expecting a child, should consider all their options, and not just think that they have to "settle" with whatever is considered the "norm" for the times.
So well put!
I really like the idea of a doula as well. Just seems a bit out of range for some people financially. Does anyone know of any doula training programs that offer reduced fees? Seems like that would be great for people who don't have the $500 or so to pay someone.
most doulas work on a sliding scale fee, or will take trade services for there work, If you need a doula visit the doula group on here! or check out the DONA doula website! A doula is a great tool and a postpartum doula is a very important person to have on your first days home!
Want to leave a comment and join the discussion?
Sign up for CafeMom and become a member. As a member you'll be able to leave comments, join groups, write journals, share photos, and more. Already a member? Click here to log in.
Or, leave a guest comment (guest comments are moderated and won't appear immediately)
Around CafeMom
Check out some of today's most popular Journals:
Pregnancy Buzz on your Homepage
- Daily Buzz -- Pregnancy
- by CafeMom
- Keep track of the latest posts from your favorite CafeMom Daily Buzz blogger. This widget will automatically pull in the most recent blog posts so you can see them right on your homepage.
The hospital where I delivered has their own Doula program. It was the most amazing experience and I would definately choose to work with a Doula again. My DH and I found our Doula Vanessa to be a perfect addition to our birthing team. My delivery was difficult and ended as a Ceasarean. The great thing was DH went with baby Cian and Vanessa stayed with me. I suggest everyone look into it. Doulas are a great source of info and can help explain things after the doctor catches you in the middle of a contraction.
JenAndCian Jun. 1, 2009 at 9:36 AM