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In San Antonio Birth Doulas Have An Important Role


By Kari Ratliff


A doula is there to make sure that a mother and her partner are helped emotionally and physically before, during and after labor. She is also able to offer information where necessary and often has a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer. In San Antonio birth doulas are trained to offer this service. Some prefer to focus on just one area of the process but many offer help for the whole process from before the birth to post-natal assistance.

A doula works in any situation where she is needed, whether in private or public hospitals, at birth centers or helping at home births. She does not work alone as her role is not to give medical support. Her role is a complimentary one and she is there to make sure that the mother and her partner are supported continuously throughout the process.

The client-doula relationship usually begins a couple of months before the baby is due. This enables a relationship to form and trust to develop. The mother should feel free to ask any questions and discuss any fears she has. The doula will provide reassurance as she usually has a wealth of experience from which to draw. She can explain procedures and offer suggestions which can help the mother to make informed decisions.

The emotional support given by a doula during labor is invaluable. She will offer the necessary encouragement and take some pressure off the partner. She will help to empower the mother by reassuring her. This can do a great deal towards dealing with anxiety and making the experience a positive one.

The physical support given by a doula during labor can be invaluable. She can recommend different positions to relieve the intensity of labor, give the mother breathing and relaxation techniques and offer comfort in the form of massages or even something as simple as holding a hand. The power of touch and massage helps to stimulate the production of oxytocin which results in feelings of well being and higher pain thresholds. The provision of continuous support from a known person has been associated with benefits such as reduction in labor length, less requests for epidurals and many others.

Post-natal care is also offered by a doula. This can be invaluable in order to help the mother adjust to life with a new baby. Any problems with feeding or soothing the infant can be addressed. Emotional and physical support can be offered to help the mother to recover as quickly as possible. If there are any signs of post-natal depression, this will be picked up and she will get the help she needs.

Medical tasks are not within the scope of what a doula is required to do. She is also not there to make decisions which the mother should be making or to interfere in any way with the relationship between the mother and the medical professionals. In choosing a doula, it is important to find out whether she understands that her role is a complimentary one. The documented benefits of having a doula present during labor have meant more acceptance by the medical profession.

It is a good idea for a mother to interview several people to make sure that she has found the doula who is right for her. She has to feel completely comfortable with her and have confidence in her training. In San Antonio, there are organizations which offer the necessary certification and training.




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