P A R T I C I P A T O R Y W O M A N H O O D
As a doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I have completed training approved by the Doulas of North America (DONA) International, including childbirth education and labor support; as well as continuing certification training by Childbirth International (CBI); and completion of the academic course “The fundamentals of breastfeeding.” I am a professional member of DONA International and CBI, recognized certification bodies. 
I have also completed training by the NYC Administration for Children’s Services on “Latest methods for conducting child safety and risk assessments,” “Restorative parenting, methods of working with abusive partners in the aftermath of violence in the home.”I was trained by CONNECT NYC on the “Connections between child sexual abuse and domestic violence” and by the Supportive Children's Advocacy Network of NY on the “Criminal Justice System & domestic violence victim rights.”
I draw upon my knowledge and experience as a doula, educator, and public health adviser (having received my Masters of Public Health & Epidemiology from Yale University) in order to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with other caregivers to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner (if present), make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
Choosing a Doula
I prefer to meet with you (and your partner or other support person, if applicable) at least once before labor to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. The first meeting does not obligate you to use my services and we can discuss my fees at that time. Prior to the birth I would like to become familiar with your Birth Plan, including your preferences regarding labor management options and the use of pain medications.
I also want to learn about your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner (if applicable) foresee working together. I will also inform you of times when I am not available for labor support. To cover those times, I will arrange one (or more) back-up doula(s). We will also decide on other meeting times and will certainly want to remain in touch by telephone.
When you are in labor
Please call me when you think you are in labor, even if you are not sure. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right over then or wait for further changes. I usually need approximately one to two hours to get to you from the time you ask me to come. We will also decide where to meet - at your home or your selected birth place. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I or my back-up will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
After the birth
I usually remain with you for one or two hours, until you are comfortable, your questions are answered and your family is ready for quiet time together. I would also be happy to help with initial breastfeeding if necessary. I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth and your baby and would like to get together with you within one to two weeks to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby, and to get feedback from you about my role.
What Doulas do not do
As a Doula, I do not:
• Perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional and informational support and advocacy.
• Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your Birth Wishes.
• Speak to the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, and I will help you identify key questions that may help you with your decisions, but you or your partner would be the best person to speak to the clinical staff.
In the event of a rapid labor or emergency situation, I will call 911.
In the event of an emergency delivery I will do what measures I am capable of to try to keep you and the baby safe and comfortable until EMS arrives. This will fall under The Good Samaritan Law.
Some Doula Statistics…
Decreased medical intervention in labor*:
· Reduces need for cesarean by 26%
· Reduces the need for forceps or vacuum extractor by 41%
· Reduces use of pain medication by 28%
· Reduces dissatisfaction with birth by 33%
· Reduces length of labor
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
· Less anxious and depressed
· Had more confidence with baby
· More satisfied w/ partner
· More likely to be breastfeeding
*These statistics appear in Hodnett E, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003. Issue 3, Art. No. CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766. For more about the research, see http://www.dona.org/publications/position_paper_birth.php
Since 1980, research has been done to determine the benefits of doula assisted births. These studies showed that there were significant decreases in birth interventions including:
- 50 % decrease in cesarean births
- 60 % decrease in epidurals
- 40 % decrease in the use of pitocin
- 30% decrease in the use of narcotics
- 30% decrease in the use of forceps
- Overall, a 25% decrease in the length of labor
You an learn more in the book “Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth” by Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus.
Please click on the link on my page to purchase this book!
Please click on the link on my page to purchase this book!
To find out more about hiring me as your doula click here.
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