The role of the doula during labour and birth is to enhance the experience for you and your partner.
The doula will be there from the time you call till the time you ask her to leave.

After the birth, the doula is specifically able to help with general baby care, feeding options or just to be those extra hands. It is an important time for both of you and your family to bond with your new baby.

Doula’s work in birth centres, private and public hospitals and at homebirths. They always work in conjunction
with midwives and doctors, never as the sole care giver. Doulas’ work privately with you and are not employed by your midwife/doctor or by the hospital. As a courtesy to your midwife or doctor it is advised that you inform them of your choice to include a doula in your birth team.

Studies have shown that having a doula present during labour can shorten the labour process (Campbell et al, 2006; Langer et al 1998), reduce caesarean section rates (Thomassen et al,2003; Scott et al 1999; Kennell et al, 1991) and has a positive effect on breastfeeding (Langer etal, 1998).
Doula’s enhance the wellbeing of mothers and babies, reduces the need for medical assistance and mothers feel better about themselves, more positive about the labour and bond more easily with their babies (Marshall H Klaus, John H Kennell and Phyllis H Klaus, The Doula Book, Cambridge, Perseus Publishing, 2002)

Continuous support in labour increased the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth (i.e. give birth with neither caesarean nor vacuum nor forceps), women were less likely to use pain medications, had slightly shorter labours, had no identified adverse effects and women were more satisfied (www.cochrane.org )
Having a doula can improve a mother’s perception of her experience of labour, her ability to cope with labour, herself as a woman and of her body (Gordon, Walton, McAdam, Derman, Gallitero and Garrett 1998)

Doulas help improve a mother’s self-esteem, lowers anxiety and reduces depression at 6 weeks post-partum

When choosing a doula it is important to clarify exactly what each Doula offers and choose the one that suits you and your partner best. Prices will vary depending on the services offered and the Doula’s own level of experience.
For example I can tailor a package that will include a numbers of massages during your pregnancy and can also include the infant massage course along with a number of visits to discuss and plan your birth and pregnancy with your partner.
Specifically, prenatal care may include accompanying you to hospital/caregiver visits, creating a birth plan,
working through fears, relaxation, massage or just being there.

The reason why I chose to become a Doula is it just made sense! I massage pregnant women and I also teach parents how to massage their babies over a four week course so it just made sense to assist women and their partners through the transition stage from pregnancy to parenthood.

Julia Fry
________________________________________________
monsoon massage & infant massage centre owner
president of the IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage)
secretary of Future Families Inc
www.monsoonmassage.com.au

0407724628
2/30 Cleland Ave
Dulwich SA 5065

Hello my name is Julia and this is my first time blogging. A little bit about me first (in no particular order), I’m an actress, massage therapist (specialising in therapeutic and pregnancy massage), I’m a certified infant massage instructor (I teach parents how to massage their baby over a four week course) as well as working for two not for profit organisations; IAIM (International Association Infant massage) www.iaim.com.au and Future Families a proudly SA run initiative by a local mum Heidi Robins and staffed by volunteer parents www.futurefamilies.com.au. I have a ‘get me out the house one day a week’ job and I am studying to become a doula. I am very passionate about what I do.

For those wondering, a doula is a professional and educated person who helps families through pregnancy, labour and beyond. They are a compliment to the medical staff in hospitals or the attendants at a home birth.
A doula enhances your experience of labour and birth regardless of where, how or with whom you choose to labour and birth. They offer professional birth support to you, your partner and family and provide emotional support, relaxation strategies and physical support as well as education and information during pregnancy, labour and sometimes beyond. 

Doula’s also assist in the birth planning and preparation, including the writing of a birth plan and through provision of information and resources, . Doula’s are on call 24/7 for approx 2 weeks before and after your due date, and of course in attendance at your labour and birth. Doula’s also visit post natally to help your new family settle in together.

 Having a doula provides comfort and continuity of care by way of a number of visits through your pregnancy.

In my next post I’ll tell you more about why having a doula can make your birth a better experience for you and your family.

Until next time,

Julia Fry
________________________________________________
monsoon massage & infant massage centre owner
president of the IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage)
secretary of Future Families Inc
www.monsoonmassage.com.au

0407724628
2/30 Cleland Ave
Dulwich SA 5065