Doula Service
Doulas are a very helpful resource for soon-to-be and new moms. Doulas providenon-medical care in order to help women through either the birthing process (as birth doulas perform) or how to care for a new baby in the house (as postpartum doulas perform). Because there are two kinds of doula service, you can specify which would be your specialty. There are courses you can take to become a certified doula. When you are certified, you can add your information to the national doulas listings, which will help pregnant women locate their nearest doula to provide service.
Doulas should be women, as other women will feel most comfortable with females in their delivery room or when handling issues like breastfeeding. Doulas do not provide medical care, but they should love children and be genuinely interested in caring for the mother and baby in a variety of ways. Here’s what’s included with each type of doula:
- Birth Doula - attending birthing classes with the parents to-be, practice breathing and pain management techniques with the mother before delivery, create a birth plan so you are aware of the mother’s wishes, coordinate with the father and other family members to share information during delivery, be present in the delivery room to care solely for the mother, be a calming force to the mother
- Postpartum Doula - help the household adjust to the new baby, demonstrate proper bathing techniques, provide breastfeeding assistance, cover diaper care, show how to handle a new baby properly, assist the mother in her recovery, handle colic, provide resources for future baby care needs
Doulas are most effective when they can offer calming support, simple instruction, and smart recommendations. It’s best that you are very comfortable around women and babies as well as being able to include the father in this life-changing time. You will be a confidant, guru, sounding board, and dispenser of knowledge, so study up and spend as much time with a variety of babies as you can!
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