MOTHERCARE BIRTH SERVICES
Professional labour delivery and postpartum support
Nikki Jomha
Nova Scotia representative of the Canadian Doula Association
info@mothercarebirthservices.com
Professional labour delivery and postpartum support Nikki Jomha Nova Scotia representative of the Canadian Doula Association info@mothercarebirthservices.com
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Q: Does the doula insist that the mother avoid all medical interventions such as epidurals and medications for pain relief? A: No, the doula is there to support a labouring woman to help ensure a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it. Q: Do doulas interfere with the medical advice given by the woman's health-care providers? A: No, the doula is there as a liaison between each party involved and encourages the woman to ask informed questions so she can make informed choices. Q: Do doulas continue to support a mother if she has had an epidural? A: Yes, A doula is there to support the labouring woman with any decisions she makes and she will still require continuous support even with an epidural. The doula is there to assist the partner as well and to help when the pushing time arrives. Q: What happens if I end up having an emergency Caesarean? Do I still have to pay the doula? A: The doula most likely will have been with you for part of your labour and therefore the entire cost should be paid. If this is not the case then you should discuss this in your pre-natal interview. Q. Do doulas only attend home births? A: No, doulas attend your birth place be it a hospital or homebirth attended by a midwife. Q: Do doulas all push breast-feeding, cloth diapers and weird forms of meditation? A: NO! Doulas do not 'push' anything. Most certified doulas are women with a genuine desire to assist you and your family in the choices you decide upon. Doulas vary in their lifestyles and you should choose the doula that best fits your birth plan. Q: Will my husband feel like he has been replaced if I choose a doula? A: No, if the doula is doing her job right, your partner should feel like he is the number one support and the doula is there to back them up and empower them with the strategies necessary to make you as comfortable as possible. Most partners are extremely appreciative of a doula's presence because they know that the burden is not totally on them and they can leave the room to eat, make phone calls or simply to get fresh air without worrying about their partner. Q: Will people assume that I have no faith in my husband for support if I have a doula as well? A: You may find yourself educating those around you as to a doula's role. You can let them know that your husband will be your number one support and your doula is there as an objective supporter to help you both through a confusing and exhilarating time. A doula is a resource available to pregnant women and their families to aid you both in acheiving the optimum birth situation. In no way does a doula's presence diminish the role of the husband and in most cases only serves to enhance it. Q: Does our Canadian Medical system pay for Doulas? A: Not yet - there are some secondary insurance companies that may pay however. It is worth checking into. Q: My mother-in-law thinks I am insane to pay for a doula, she insists that she can do the job for free. What do I tell her? A: Your mother-in-law may just be worried that her role as the grandmother, during your labour and delivery, will be supplanted. You can assure her that the doula will be there to help the support team, not to 'take over'. You can also invite her to the pre-natal meetings so that she can ask questions of the doula and get to know her. She may become re-assured with the scope of the doula's knowledge and experience. Q: What type of questions should I ask a potential doula? A: It is important to feel fully satisfied with your doula prior to your delivery date and there are many specific questions you should ask. 1. What training do you have? Are you Certified and by which organization? 2. Do you work with another doula as a back-up? 3. What are your fees, what does that include and what are your refund policies? 4. May we see a list of client references? 5. How long does it take you to get to me once we call to say that labour is established? Q: What should I look for in a potential doula? A. Could we spent up to 48 hours together? Does she listen to me and my partner well? Will she respect my wishes? Will my partner like her? (if it is a postpartum doula will my children like her?) |
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