NEW
2007-08 Doula and
Extension Education Brochure (PDF, 506 KB)
Download this brochure for a printer-friendly summary of courses and
times through 2008. If you would like to request a hard copy version of the
brochure, please
email
us with your mailing information.
What is a Doula?
What is a Postpartum Doula?
What is a Childbirth Educator?
Links of Interest
What is a Birth Doula?
Doula (doo’-luh) is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other
women. Today the word is used to refer to a trained person (usually a woman) who provides
physical, emotional, and informational support to women and families during and after
childbirth. SMS trains two types of doulas: birth doulas and postpartum
doulas.
A birth doula assists the pregnant woman and her family in preparing and carrying out
their birth plans. She stays with the laboring mother throughout the entire birth process,
providing emotional and physical support and an objective viewpoint. She helps her clients
get the information they need to make informed decisions.
The birth doula recognizes childbirth as a transformative life experience. Her primary
objective is to nurture and protect a woman’s memory of her birth experience.
MORE…
The "fourth trimester," the period following birth, is often the most
challenging and overlooked period in the transition to parenthood. Many new families in
our society lack the continuity of care they need following the birth of their baby.
The postpartum doula helps meet this need by educating, nurturing, and empowering
mothers and families towards confidence in their new roles. Doulas may provide assistance
with breastfeeding, newborn and mother care, and housework. They also provide referrals to
community resources as needed.
MORE…
Childbirth educators provide information and training to expectant parents in preparing
for labor, birth, and the postpartum period. They may work independently, for a private
organization, or for a hospital or maternity care provider.
Childbirth education classes typically include information on late pregnancy, labor,
breastfeeding, postpartum, and newborn care. Childbirth educators also guide expectant
parents in the practice of relaxation, breathing techniques, and comfort measures for
labor.
MORE…
DONA Position Paper: The Doula’s Contribution to Modern
Maternity Care
www.dona.org/PDF/BDPositionPaper.pdf
What is a Postpartum Doula?
www.dona.org/PDF/PDPositionPaper.pdf
Ten steps of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth
Initiative for mother-friendly hospitals, birth centers, and home birth services (first
step includes offering doula services to all mothers)
www.motherfriendly.org/MFCI/steps.html
Maternity Center Association Labor
Support Initiative
www.maternitywise.org/prof/laborsupport/index.html
Mother-Friendly Trends (interview with Penny Simkin)
www.pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/simkin-mother.htm
Why Hire a Doula? (interview with Penny Simkin)
www.pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/simkin-whydoula.htm
MORE LINKS...
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