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Heart and Hands Doula Care

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                 What is a Doula?              
 
 
The word "doula" is an ancient Greek word.   It simply means a woman who assists a woman in labor, mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs during labor and after birth.  A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences
of birth.

 

  Why should you use a Doula?

 

Studies have shown that mothers who use a doula  have shorther labors, fewer complications and interventions, use less medication, and are more satisified with their birth experience.

 
What do Doulas do?

 

A doula accompanies the woman in labor, provides emotional and physical support, suggests comfort measures, and provides support and suggestions for the partner. Whenever possible, the doula provides pre- and post-partum emotional support, including explanation and discussion of practices and procedures, and assistance in acquiring the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about her care.  A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth.

 

 

Advocates...

A doula advocates for the client's wishes as expressed in her birth plan, in prenatal conversations, and intrapartum discussion, by encouraging her client to ask questions of her caregiver and to express her preferences and concerns. A doula helps the mother incorporate changes in plans if and when the need arises, and enhances the communication between client and caregiver. Clients and doulas must recognize that the advocacy role does not include the doula speaking instead of the client or making decisions for the client. The advocacy role is best described as support, information, and mediation or negotiation.

 

 

  

Today the birth of a child is an emotional experience which brings with it all the noblest and most lovable qualities of men, women, and children.”

 

~Dr. Grantly Dick-Reed~

 

"Newest Arrival"
 
CONGRATULATIONS!!
 
Kristin & Joe
 
7 lbs. 2 oz. 
 
July 3, 2009
 
74th birth