Doulas are individuals who are not considered medical professionals but assist women with childbirth: before, during and after. These individuals may also be available to aid the family or partner of a woman by providing them with information, physical assistance and emotional support. These persons are also called labor coaches. The term doula is derived from an Ancient Greek word that is defined as female servant or slave.
The presence of a doula during pregnancy and labor, is associated with an improved fetal and maternal health, and other benefits. This is also true of friends, family and nurses. Many organizations provide training and certification to individuals interested in this line of work. However, there is no oversight to this particular practice and the title may be used by any person.
The goal for professionals in the medical field is always a safe childbirth. In contrast, the doula is focused on making sure the mother feels confident and safe throughout the entire process. The existence of doulas is controversial in the medical field because of what some perceive as pressure on the mother to avoid medical interventions, such as caesarean sections and epidural, and take on natural childbirth.
Dana Raphael coined this term during the 1970s in a study. People that seek these individuals are in search of support during the process. This may be physical or emotional. Massages, ensuring one stays comfortable and offering water are examples of physical support. On the other hand, offering encouragement, speaking in a tone that is soothing and acting as company, are ways that emotional support can be given.
Sometimes these people offer information and advice as it relates to the pregnancy. A doula may work with a family or woman before and after the birth of baby, as per the request of the client. In many situations, these individuals are hired for the job around eight months of pregnancy. Continued support from the same source is an important component of the relationship between a doula and mother.
The cost of these services are known to vary and are usually charge per visit. These persons can be found through special programs, private practice and even at some hospitals. Older, more affluent parents who live in large cities are more likely to hire these individuals. These in people may also be hired to care for critically ill elders in geriatric care.
Mother and baby are thought to have an improved condition when they have a consistent support system. There has been research done to back the benefits of having doulas, or any other strong support system, available during this time. There are some medical facilities that reject these beliefs and have even banned the involvement of the doula. They maintain that mother and child are put in danger when receiving care from these people.
Doulas refers to individuals who are hired to assist a woman and her family during the birthing process, usually during pregnancy, labor and afterbirth. There is no formal oversight when it comes to the training and certification of these individuals. Still, the main objective of the doula is to lend emotional and physical support to the mother and child during the process. This is believed to improve the condition of the baby and its mother.
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