|
|
|
Women
helping women give birth
|
A doula is a labor companion
providing both emotional and physical support
from the start and throughout the labor. She provides
continuous support, care, comfort and invaluable
attention. This type of care and nurture has proven
to be dramatically beneficial. This invaluable
support is provided by caring experienced women
known as 'doulas'.The greek word doula means 'woman
caregiver' - one or more individuals, often female,
who give psychological encouragement and physical
assistance to the newly delivered mother. A doula
is not a doctor nor a nurse, she is supporting,
caring, attentive and constant throughout.
|
|
|
Postpartum
doula
|
No
matter how well you planned bringing your new little
bundle home, irrespective of how many books you
have read and how many professionals you have spoken
to, very little can prepare you for the actual reality
of having your new baby with you without the security
of the hospital blanket. During the first few days
after the birth mum is experiencing major hormonal,
emotional and physical changes and the vast majority
of first time parents have had little or no experience
with a new born babe. It is so important for the
parents to have someone they are both comfortable
with to help at home. This person can be a relative,
a trusted friend or a postnatal doula. |
The
postnatal doula is there to nurture and support,
to be an extra pair of hands, to calm, to praise,
to encourage, to assist in whatever way she is required.
The postnatal doula's job description can be wide
and varied and the majority of the tasks would have
been discussed on meeting the doula prior to the
birth.
Some
examples of a postnatal doulas work could be:
• to ensure mum
is not overwhelmed with phone calls and visitors
too early for too long.
• to ensure the
fridge is well stocked with fresh fruit, milk and
that the groceries don't run low.
• to ensure mum
is resting as much as possible.
• to ensure the
washing is kept up to date and and the house is
running as the parents would like it to.
• to encourage
and praise every step of each and every very special
day.
• to offer assistance
with newborn care, bathing techniques, breast-feeding
positioning or to ensure bottles are sterilised
and readily available.
• to make the
first few days/weeks as calm and enjoyable as they
possibly can be.
|
|
|
|
|
|
