MotherCare Birth Services Labour Doula Page

A Greek word meaning 'servant', doula now refers to a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support and care to a woman and her family before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas assist labouring mothers on an emotional level, providing support and physical comfort. Endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists*, they help couples minimize obstetrical intervention by utilizing these tools and maximize their satisfaction with their birth experiences. A certified doula must abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards and Scope of Practice.

Benefits

Evidence based studies have shown that women who have doula support during labour have:

** 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
    25% shorter labor
    60% reduction in epidural requests
    40% reduction in oxytocin use
    30% reduction in analgesia use
    40% reduction in forceps delivery

For a great site outlining doula benefits, read Doulas Can Improve the Health of Both Mother and Newborn

What do I do?

I will meet with you and your partner to discuss your expectations and your wishes. I can help you clarify your desires by guiding you through a birth plan framework. We will discuss coping methods and practice the techniques you are likely to use in labour. I basically provide 12 hours of private, in-home pre-natal information.

Once in labour I will accompany you and your partner through to the birth. My involvement during labour usually begins when your labour is well established at home and staying with you during the move to the hospital (or home) until the baby is born. I stay up to two hours after the birth, enough time to make sure that everyone is stable and comfortable and that you have had an opportunity to nurse your baby if you choose to breastfeed.

During labour, I draw on my training to provide you with emotional support and physical comfort. I also assist and encourage you to communicate with your healthcare providers. I can provide reassurance to you and your partner, make suggestions for labour progression and help with relaxation, massage and positioning to assist in comfort. I support your partner in creating a calm and positive atmosphere for the birth of your baby. It is important to know that I realize when to stay in the background to allow privacy when you are doing well.

I am currently seeking a back-up doula to work with so that you can feel confident that you will never be without a doula.

My Training

In order to acheive my Labour Doula certification I have done the following:

1. Maintained membership with CAPPA in good standing;

2. Attended a CAPPA approved Labour Doula training program;

3. Read five books from the CAPPA Labour Doula required reading list;

4. Attended a local childbirth education series as an observer;

5. *Submitted 6 letters of recommendation from professionals in the field;

6. Attended 3 births as a doula;

7. *Passed an exam with 85% or better;

8. *Submitted 3 letters of recommendation from clients.

9. Signed and agreed to the CAPPA Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice and Grievance Policy.

* As I am still in the process of certifying, these points have not yet been completed.

"Nikki has an ability to be present and empathetic and empathic. In the birthing room she was an extension of me in the sense that when I felt overwhelmed or vulnerable, she was with me, my partner, lending me strength, and drawing me back to my calm center. I feel blessed that Nikki was a part of the births of my two oldest children, and I know that she feels that too." - Nadine C.~ Nelson, British Columbia mother to Jayla (13) Shylane (10) and Curtis (8)

What I don't do

I do not interfere with the health-care givers or hospital staff nor presume to know better than them. I do not pass judgment on any birth choice you make nor parenting style you plan to adopt. I don't take the place of your birthing team, I only enhance it. I do not drive the labouring mother to the hospital unless an emergency requires it.

*"Given the clear benefits and no known risks associated with intrapartum support, every effort should be made to ensure that all labouring women receive support, not only from those close to them but also from specially trained care givers [doulas]. This support should include continuous presence, the provision of hands-on comfort and encouragement". Society of Obsteticians and Gynaecologists of Canada - Clinical Practice Guidelines (1996)

**Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).

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Send mail to nikki@joereads.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 08/02/05 ©2005

Send mail to nikki@joereads.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 08/02/05 ©2005