| From
the traditional Greek meaning "woman
caregiver ", today's doula is "a
woman experienced in childbirth who provides
continuous physical, emotional, and informational
support to the mother before, during and
just after childbirth" (Klaus,
Kennell and Klaus - Mothering the Mother).
The doula's role is to guide parents through
the experiences of pregnancy, labour, birth
and the early days and weeks with their
new baby.
Pre-natal education includes
what to expect during pregnancy, labour
and birth; writing a birth plan; different
approaches to pain-relief; hospital protocols
and routines; pregnancy screening tests;
labour/birth interventions; avoiding complications;
informed consent; suggested readings, etc.
She provides critical physical
and emotional support and is available around
the clock during active labour and birth.
Her training and experience enables her
to inform parents of the different options
available to them, which can impact both
the experience of birth and beyond as well
as the long-term health and well-being of
mother and baby. As such, she is an important
liaison between the mother and her birth
attendants, always in a climate of respect
for the couple's unique values and goals.
Birth
is the culmination of pregnancy, and it
is also the beginning of two
new lives: the baby's and the mother's.
When a baby is born, a mother is born (or
re-born!). This is a life changing experience
and since the beginning of time women have
had special support and protection during
this time. Fathers, too, are born out of
this amazing experience and they also benefit
from the guidance and support of an experienced,
trusted companion.
The
doula does not take the place of, nor is
she a substitute for the father and/or partner.
Her presence serves to protect, support,
and empower the couple and family. This
enables the
father to fully experience the birth of
his baby at his own comfort level and remain
emotionally connected to his partner and
child, without the responsibility of being
the sole support person.
Why
give birth with the help of a doula?
The
special relationship, trust and continuity
of care that exists between a mother, her
partner and their doula has an important
positive impact on the experiences of pregnancy,
labour, birth and breastfeeding. Some
of the proven benefits of having
a doula include:
Birth
outcomes :
25% shorter labour
50%
fewer cesareans
40%
reduction in oxytocin use to speed up labour
less
use of forceps and vaccum extraction
30-60%
fewer requests for pain medication/epidurals
fewer
complications
For
Mom :
less fever and infection
reduced bleeding after
birth
more
positive birth experience
more secure, confident
less anxiety and postpartum
depression
enhanced
bonding with baby
For
Baby :
shorter hospital stay
fewer
admissions to special care nurseries
easier
start to breastfeeding
For
the healthcare system :
dramatically reduced
costs of obstetrical care
Mama Dearest's
doula services are provided by Stephanie
Dupras. A work-at-home mother of four,
Stephanie is a private practise International
Board Certified Lactation Consultant, doula,
childbirth educator and student midwife.
Stephanie's philosophy of care fosters respect,
gentleness, confidence and autonomy. She
provides support during pregnancy, childbirth
and postpartum in a climate of trust and confidentiality.
Her combined skills provide a unique approach
to helping new parents become informed,
empowered and confident in the choices they
make, thus ensuring the best possible start
to life with their new baby.
Please
call (450) 661-6629 for more information
or to schedule a meeting. |
