Jade Whittard, support for mothers and their families during pregnancy, labour and afterwards.
“Good beginnings make a positive difference in the world, so it is worth our while to provide the best possible care for mothers and babies throughout this extraordinarily influential part of life.” -Ina May Gaskin
Birth is natural and beautiful, amazing and terrifying all at once. It can be exciting and empowering, but it can also be very difficult. Support for the birthing mother is essential. A doula is never a replacement to any support or medical care providers that the mother already has in place. On the contrary; the doula should complement their care, and ideally they will all be able to provide the mother with support within their range of comfort, or scope of practice without ever conflicting. With proper support we can reduce the risk of interventions in labour, cesarean deliveries, post partum depression and feelings of guilt or regret in the mother following the birth. There are three main ways we can break down the support that a labour and birth doula offers to the birthing mother. Each of which is meant to empower the mother, help her to understand her rights through every stage, and to come away from birth with feelings of accomplishment, joy and satisfaction.
EmotionalBefore the birth, the mother's anxieties are calmed by the reassurance and advice the doula provides her with. During labour and delivery the doula speaks calmly. She sets the mood of the birthing room with music or dim lighting, helps with breathing and visualization relaxation techniques, and reminds the mother of her strength and of the beauty of this journey to ease her mind. During emotional moments, like the first time breastfeeding, she is there to encourage the mother and smile with her as she learns.
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PhysicalThe doula teaches the mother how to prepare her body for labour and delivery by keeping her informed about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, and practising breathing techniques and labour positions. She can support the mother through the pain of labour with massage, or pressure and will teach any other support persons in the birthing room to do the same if they wish to help! Afterbirth support is also given to the mother, as she eases her body back into its non-pregnant state and learns to breastfeed.
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InformationalThrough books, courses, workshops and experience, a doula aquires enough knowledge to support another woman through her birthing journey. The role of the doula is never to judge or show bias, but to encourage the mother to make informed choices by providing her with any necessary information and then fully supporting any decision she feels is the right one for herself and for her baby at any stage of pregnancy, delivery and infant care. An informed choice is a good choice.
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