Are you pregnant and thinking of using a Doula. Here's how a Doula service can help you

Are you pregnant and thinking of using a Doula. Here's how a Doula service can help you.

What is a doula ?
"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula role is “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience of having and giving birth to a baby.

Postnatal doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of baby
Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology.
IMPORTANT They do not take over the role of a midwife.Doulas are not part of a medical team, but if they are supporting a woman in labour, in the hospital or in the home, they can help to strengthen the woman and act as her advocate and constant companion. However, they cannot challenge medical or midwifery advice given to the woman or persuade her against a course of action or treatment suggested by the medical team.

What is The Purpose and role of a Doula?
Before Childbirth the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least once face to face, and then perhaps be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary.

During Labour the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.

After childbirth the doula may follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks.

What cost are invloved in using Doulas service in the UK ?
Trainee doulas are required under the terms of their membership of Doula UK to charge less: Currently Doula UK requires trainees to charge no more than £200 per birth until after they have attended four births and achieved 'Recognition' by a Doula UK assessor.Doulas working in the UK typically earn around £10-12 an hour although this rate is negotiable with some doulas. They do not work for fewer than 4 hours a day. A birth doula usually charges a flat rate of £200-400 per birth, depending on their level of experience.
A deposit (retainer fee) is also often required which covers the 'on call' period and pre and post birth meetings. Some doulas accept monthly payments or reduced fee depending on the circumstances.

Is a Doula neccessary ?
Doulas offer practical benefit in the birthing room and make the mother feel happier and also there to support the partner.Recent research in the USA suggested caesarean births could be cut by half, labour could be reduced by 25 per cent, the odds of a forceps delivery reduced by 40 per cent if more women have the support of a doula during labour.
88% of women who had a postnatal doula were still breastfeeding at 6 weeks
67% were still breastfeeding at 6 months
(This compares with 21% at six weeks and 7% at three months according to the Infant Feeding Survey of 2005 (Bolling et al 2007).)
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
Less anxious and depressed
Had more confidence with baby
More satisfied with partner (71% vs 30%).

Doula contacts in UK

britishdoulas,nurturingbirth,birthbliss,doula,doulaservices.

 for your premature baby clothing needs visit http://cheekychumsonline.co.uk