Midwives Model of Care
The Midwives Model of Care includes:
- Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
- Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support
- Minimizing technological interventions
- Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention
Birth Doula FAQs
Q: What is a Doula?
The word Doula comes from the ancient Greek language and the literal meaning of Doula is slave/servant, but here Doula means a woman who helps other women in childbirth and beyond. That is why we have a Birth Doula and the duties of a Doula in the past belonged to the women of a labouring mother’s family. However in western societies the Doula’s job has become very popular because a mother’s women relatives may be away or working; or they may have different opinions about birth than the mother’s.
Q: Does a Doula replace my birth partner?
A Doula is there for the partner also. A Birth Doula does not replace the role of your chosen birthing partner. The role of the Birth Doula is to assist and support the mother and her partner in achieving their birthing goals.
The Birth Doula works very closely with the birthing partner and uses her training and knowledge to assist and empower the birth partner to be actively present during the labour and birth. The Birth Doula remains focused on the needs of the mother even at the end of the birth when all other eyes turn to the baby being born.
Q: Does a Doula attend my birth if I have a caesarean section?
A Doula will be by your side during labour, if a c-section is needed. Depending on the hospital, the Doula can join you and your partner in the operating theatre. If not, she can be there for you in recovery to assist with breastfeeding.
Although the Doula isn’t there to replace your birthing partner sometimes a birthing partner doesn’t wish to be present during the c-section for whatever reason, so the Doula is happy to support you in the theatre also should a birthing partner not wish to be present.
Q: What if I’m having a planned caesarean or an unplanned caesarean section?
Whether you are having a planned caesarean or an unplanned one a Doula can support both you and your partner through this sometimes scary and very emotional time.
Since most Doulas have had the opportunity of experiencing caesarean sections at one time or another, she will be able to explain to you and your partner what to expect and help you prepare mentally for it.
Q: Does a Doula come to my house in early labour?
Most Moms choose to stay home in early labour and the Doula may come to your house when you feel you need the support.
Q: Do Doulas only take clients who want to have a natural un-medicated labour and birth?
No, a Doula is there to support her clients’ wishes, whatever they may be.
Q: Does a Doula perform medical tasks?
A Doula does not perform any medical tasks. She is there for comfort, praise, and reassurance.
Q: Does a Doula advocate for me?
During pregnancy and throughout delivery she will provide you with her knowledge and experience of the birth process. She does not speak for you.
Q: How does a Doula work with hospital staff?
A Doula is not there to take the place of the healthcare team. Primary care providers are responsible for the medical health needs of the mother and baby. A Doula helps ensure that the mother’s non-medical needs are also met.
Doulas do not perform any medical or clinical procedures. A Doula provides constant care throughout the entire labour and birth, and for several hours immediately following the birth. Doulas act as a liaison with the medical staff, but do not make decisions for the mother.
Q: Do Doulas work only with midwives?
No, since Doulas are hired privately by the client they work for the client no matter if it’s a doctor or midwife, home or hospital planned birth.
Statistics taken from:- “A Doula Makes the Difference” by Nugent in Mothering Magazine
Resources
Where to Birth
Nine Moons Midwifery
The Birthing Place
Winding River Birth Center
Charlottesville Midwifery
Online Resources
Spinning Babies
Childbirth Connection
Prenatal Care/Exercise
Bend Yoga
Breastfeeding
Skyline Lactation
Charlottesville Doula Resources
Cville Doulas
Month 10