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-Mothering Touch- Birth Doula Services Childbirth is an emotional and spiritual experience with long-term impact on a woman's personal well being The word "Doula," which comes from ancient Greek, today refers to a woman trained and experienced to assist in childbirth. The wisdom and sustenance of experienced women attending birth is an ancient tradition. As Doulas, we provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support and comfort to the mother and her partner during labor, delivery and in the immediate postpartum period. Doulas recognizes birth as a key life experience. We "mother the mother" by meeting her emotional and physical needs during labor. We assist the woman and her partner in preparing and carrying out their "Birth Plans" or "Wish List" while providing important emotional support, physical comfort measures and relaxation techniques. Studies show that when Doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer Cesarean Sections and healthier babies. Recent evidence also suggests that when a Doula provides labor support, women are more satisfied with their birth experience and continue to have enhanced mother-infant interactions for up to two months after the birth. There was a time when an expectant father was portrayed as an anxious, floor-pacing, cigar-smoking man who was barely tolerated in hospital corridors until the long-awaited moment when a nurse or doctor would announce he was the proud father of a new baby. But times have changed. Today, when it comes to pregnancy, birth or parenting, fathers want to share as much of the experience as possible with the mother. This new generation of fathers wants to be actively involved and are eager to be a part of the labor and birth. They want to help ease labor pains for their partner and be right in the middle of this wondrous event to welcome their new baby at the moment of birth. Labor and all its uncertainties can be a little unnerving. The presence and loving support of a partner during childbirth is comforting and reassuring to the mother-to-be. The love which the father shares for her and his child along with his desire to nurture and protect his family are priceless gifts that only he can provide. With the dual abilities and team work of a labor partner and a Doula at her birth, the mother has the best of both worlds. She has the loving care and attention of her partner and the wealth of expertise and gentle guidance from a Doula. A father's participation in childbirth education and preparation classes and his presence at prenatal visits and in the delivery room has become a familiar occurrence. Yet, we sometimes forget that the expectations of the birth partner's role as a "labor coach" may be difficult to fulfill and may vary according to family circumstances. Sometimes it may be culturally inappropriate for an expectant father to be intimately involved in the process of labor and birth. At times a father may not understand what is happening and may react anxiously to a woman's instinctive behaviors during labor and delivery. The father may witness his partner in pain and discomfort and understandably become distressed. The Doula can help a mother and father experience this special time with confidence because, as a seasoned labor attendant, she is so familiar with the natural and normal process of childbirth. It is comforting and reassuring to both the mother and father to know what is going on, as the Doula explains each step and stage of the birth process as it is unfolding. Physicians, midwives and nurses are responsible for monitoring labor, assessing the medical condition of the mother and baby and treating complications when they arise. Some fellows find it difficult to navigate in uncharted waters, where so much is expected. The father-to-be has to quickly jump in and familiarize himself with the process and language of birth, know and understand medical terms, procedures, hospital protocols and learn to advocate for and accommodate his partner in an environment and culture he is usually unfamiliar with. That is where a Doula can be such an asset. She can provide the information to help parents analyze concerns, make appropriate decisions and facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and the health care providers. As a woman who has given birth herself, a Doula understands all the emotions that accompany birthing. Every woman is different and every labor is different but it is an emotional process. Every woman has her own ideas and goals in mind in dealing with her labor. In nurturing and "mothering the mother" a Doula skillfully assists each mother to cope in her own unique way with her own labor in all its uniqueness. While the father is there to provide physical comfort to the mother with back massage, change of positions and helping her stay focused during contractions, he has the benefit of the Doula's skills and knowledge to guide him in techniques that may work best for their situation. Sometimes, when a Cesarean Section delivery becomes necessary, the father-to-be will be asked to accompany, support and observe the mother in surgery. Realistically, not all fathers have the background, experience or coping mechanisms to serve as "labor coach" at this intense level. With a Doula there, a father can share in the birth experience on whatever level he feels most comfortable. Childbirth is an emotional and spiritual experience with long-term impact on a woman's personal well being. As Doulas, we know that the mother and father will remember their childbirth experience for the rest of their lives. A Doula can help them experience this special time with confidence. By nurturing or "mothering the mother" during childbirth, the Doula supports the parents and helps them attain a positive and memorable birth experience. The benefits of Doula Care have been recognized worldwide. The Medial Leadership council of Washington, D.C., the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecology of Canada and the World Health Organization are among the many health-care organizations that value the benefits Doulas provide to women in labor. Call Mothering Touch for an appointment to discuss the benefits of having one of our Doulas assist you with your childbirth.
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