Mama Care Monday: Do I Need A Doula?

9:30:00 AM


Benefits of having support pre and post pregnancy can really make a huge difference in a mother's overall birth experience and family life.  It can impact her and her family in a positive way; alleviating, and curtailing minor issues that come up during the birth process, debunking myths surrounding labor, providing additional support, anticipating certain needs, giving mama a voice, and enabling a seamless transition back into life with a new baby. 

I am sure when the first time people hear the word Doula, have no idea what that is or what I am talking about, however there is a legit definition and breakdown of the actual word.
"Doula: The word doula is a Greek word meaning women’s servant. Women have been serving others in childbirth for many centuries and have proven that support from another woman has a positive impact on the labor process."



I know when I was pregnant with my daughter I had no idea myself exactly what a doula was or did, other than hearing the word being lightly passed around in my OB's office, and a then expecting Mommie friend speak about hiring one for her birth, I was completely in the dark and wasn't sure if I really needed the support for my birth? especially since my mom was in town at the time.
Although I had a pretty easy labor; no real complications, no intervention, natural birth, the hospital followed my birth plan which almost never happens in hospitals, especially where I delivered that at the time had a 75% C-section rate, I delivered a healthy 9 pound almost 22inches long baby girl naturally. Ironically enough, it wasn't till after the birth of my baby girl and when I brought her home that I could have used and needed additional support. Especially when the unanticipated mental, physical, and emotional needs came up and I couldn't articulate the emotional challenges I was experiencing for fear of being judged, particularly being a woman of color. Women of color tend to suffer in silence especially when it deals with anything relating to emotions, having such a high emotional expectation placed over us that we don't get down and when it pertains to our children, to just plow through and deal.
Unbeknownst to me I was experiencing baby blues which falls in the range of normal after giving birth. My hormones normalized shortly after within 21 days post and I was fine. However that is not always the case for other women and BB's can easily morph into PPD (postpartum depression). However imagine if this type of information and support was available during and post pregnancy?
Well it is in the form of a Birth/Labor support Doula before and during pregnancy, and a Postpartum Doula for additional support post pregnancy. 

Birth/Labor support
is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.

Postpartum 
A postpartum doula provides evidenced based information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, mother–baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care. To help a new family adjust in those first days and weeks after bringing home a new baby. Research shows that moms, dads and babies have an easier time with this transition if a good support team is in place.
If you are a new mother, know a soon to be mother, or want become one while you and your family are planning, definitely consider your options, looking into all aspects of "maternity care". Having a baby doesn't stop at the physical level, it entails the mental and emotional aspects as well and when all aspects are "in synergy" or rather aligned with support, it can really make a huge difference in the entire birthing experience. Here are sources where you can find and get the necessary information on Doulas, where to find, and what to expect. 
I myself am a certified postpartum doula and you can find out more about my duties, see testimonies, find other birth/labor support doulas I work with, and get additional info at: http://myrtleandflossie.wix.com/mamacare
Remember mamas, you need to invest in yourself so that you may continue to invest in others. Until next Monday......


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