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Doula Your Personal Labor & Delivery Assistant If the thought of labor and delivery rates about as high as preparing your taxes and slamming your hand in the car door, think Doula! She'll be your best friend, coach and cheerleader as you face the hardest phase of motherhood childbirth! Having some concerns about the birth process, even if this isn't your first pregnancy, is normal. A doula can help you prepare for the labor event and enhance the birth experience for you and your partner. The word doula is a Greek word that means woman's servant. One of the newest members of the labor support team, a doula is a birth companion professionally trained to ease pain and encourage the labor process. Doulas do not provide medical assistance; rather, they use education, relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques designed to make you as comfortable as possible. Doulas help protect the memory of a positive birth experience by providing reassurance and perspective. says Suzi Coleman, a certified doula for eight years and mother of four. Your doula will meet with you to discuss the kind of birth experience you prefer and plan techniques accordingly. Donna Hackney , CD, says "The birth process can be a transformational and exhilarating experience when we surround ourselves with loving and caring people who support our own unique process of birthing." When labor begins, your doula will join you prepared to coach you through all phases of labor and delivery. While the doula doesn't take the place of your husband or partner, her presence allows him to focus on your emotional needs and take an occasional break. Throughout labor, she knows what to do and when to make the process easier for you and baby. She will adjust the music you've selected, light the candles, and massage your feet and lower back. The benefits of additional support are appearing even beyond the labor and delivery process. Research shows that women assisted by a doula during labor are more relaxed and experience significantly less chance of cesarean or forceps delivery as well as shorter labor. Some of the long-term benefits include improved breastfeeding, smoother bonding and decreased postpartum depression. Fees for doulas vary widely depending on services, experience and training. Doula services are readily available throughout the Phoenix Metro area. Most hospitals have lists of doulas you may contact and interview, or you can locate doulas through Doulas of North America at www.DONA.org. Suzi Coleman is a Certified Doula since 1996 and a mom since 1990. She can be reached at suzidoula@aol.com Donna Hackney is a Certified Birth Doula with Doulas of North America. She can be reached by email DonnaHackney1@aol.com or at WWW.DonnaHackney.com As seen in My Phoenix Pregnancy Your Valley Guide for Pregnant Livingwww.myphoenixpregnancy.com |