FAQ
Q. Is a doula the same as a midwife?
A. NO. A doula's primary concern is with the emotional condition of the mother. Her job description is to provide continual emotional and physical comfort measures (non-medical), education, and help communicate with medical staff.
Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-aeTr86y4w&feature=related
Q. Do I really need someone to hold my hand and tell me to breathe?
A. YES. There is so much that goes into the birth of a baby. A woman's body and mind are in a completely unique and somewhat fragile state and a doula understands this, knows what to expect and how to help you encounter each contraction with a focused and peaceful state of mind. See: fight or flight and medical benefits pages.
Q. Why would a married woman want a doula, isn't that the husband's job?
A. Birth can be very overwhelming and stressful for men. They often feel out of their league and unsure of how to really help. Many fathers find a great deal of reasureance and comfort in having doula support for their wives. Even experienced fathers find it extremely helpful to have someone else there. A good doula will not take the place of the father, but will take some of the burden from him - freeing him to be emotionally available. A doula can reasure him of what is normal for birth and can help him find ways to get involved instead of passively watching and worrying.
Q. Why do I need a doula if I'm having a hospital birth- isn't that what the nurse does?
A. Nurses are usually far too busy to give each mother constant attention. Each nurse has many duties that interfere with her giving undivided attention to any one patient. Many couples are shocked with the lack of attention they get when they go into the hospital. This is not a lack of quality care on the part of the hospital, but an unreasonable expectation on the part of the client. Having a doula will nicely fill the gap that can be created by a hospital birth. It is very rare that a nurse has the inclination and the time to sit at one person's side for more than a few moments.
Q. We are planning a home birth, why would we want a doula?
A. Having a home birth naturally decreases stress and a doula may really seem like an un-needed extra. If you are choosing a home birth you likely want the privacy and quiet safety of home. But even home births can be very hard work emotionally and physically. You will still be doing one of the hardest things in the world and one extra support person can make a huge impact on your experience. The midwife and her assistant have required distractions that cannot be put off - charting and medical needs have to come before emotional needs. Surrounding yourself with all the right kind of care only makes sense. I give a $100.00 discount for home births because they are a little easier on me (usually), but I still end up working/laboring with you for a very long time.
Contact me for more information: gentlehandsdundore@yahoo.com
(979) 830-1072
