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Midwife vs. doula

 

Doula vs. hospital staff

Unethical ...quote

Doula SK network

 

What is a Doula?

 

doula \DOO-luh\, noun:
An experienced birth companion who provides continuous physical and emotional support before, during, and after birth.

 

The support of a Doula has been shown to shorten first-time labour, decrease cesarean section and the need for pain medication, help fathers participate with confidence, and leads to more successful breastfeeding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is there a need for Doulas in Saskatchewan?

As childbirth has moved from home to hospital, a vital element of care has been lost from the whole process. Gone are the days where a woman would have continuous support from one caregiver throughout her labour. It used to be the case that the womenfolk within the immediate and extended family (mothers/sisters/grandmother etc...) would be on hand to provide the nurturing role for the new mother, to guide by experience and help with the practicalities that need to be performed before, during and after a woman gives birth to a baby.

The concept of the community midwife is only now being developed in Saskatchewan, but due to the immediate lack of resources, (midwives and willing Health Districts)  this service will not be readily available to all women for perhaps another decade or more.  Doulas fill this gap in services, by supporting women in the birth environment of their choice.

Presently, many women feel that they have no choice but to be in hospital to give birth to their baby where it is much more likely that a birth will be medically managed and intervention methods will be used.

RESEARCH has shown that having a Doula present at a birth ;

· Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours

· Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%

· Decreases the need for pain medication

· Helps fathers participate with confidence

· Increases success in breastfeeding

 

Reference:  "Mothering the Mother,"
Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993

A doula believes in “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology BUT the Doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff.

Postnatal doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of baby. In the West today, too often mothers are rushed back into normal day-to-day activities; in many cultures women are confined to bed and rest for a period of up to 40 days. This may be impossible in our society but with the help of a postnatal Doula, a mother can enjoy some of the benefits of a prolonged "lying in" period. This will help her bond with her baby and spend extra time with any older siblings. Our work is about empowering a family to take care of itself and we facilitate this by helping around the house and offering encouragement and suggestions.

 

Services Doulas Provide

The services offered by a Doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be/parents-to-be. A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first time mother to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.

Before Childbirth the Doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) at least twice face to face, and then perhaps be available by phone or for additional meetings if necessary.

During Labour the Doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The Doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. The Doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance.

After Childbirth the Doula may follow up with a couple of postnatal visits to help the new mother settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal Doula for a period of 6 - 8 weeks.

Sometimes this will mean that the mother employs a different Doula to the one that attended the birth as not all birth doulas can offer extended postnatal support, whereas there are doulas who ONLY offer this type of postnatal support.

What are the costs?

Birth Doula

Usually charges a fixed price for the birth package to include all pre and post birth meetings. Clients should expect regional variations in fees reflecting local living costs, and should be aware that more experienced doulas may reasonably be expected to charge more than less experienced doulas in the same area.

The average cost of a doula in Saskatchewan is between $500-$800 .

In addition, some doulas have other qualifications and skills which are taken account of in their fee structure. As all of our 'recognized' doulas have an independent practice and offer different packages, Doula SK advises parents to contact individual doulas and discuss their services and fees.

A deposit (retainer fee) is also often required which covers the 'on call' period and pre and post birth meetings.  Some doulas accept monthly payments or reduced fee depending on the circumstances.

Postnatal Doula

Usually charges an hourly fee and may require a minimum booking of 3 or 4 hours per session (sometimes mileage is extra). A deposit is also generally required.

Trainee postnatal doulas are required by Doula SK to charge no more than $10 an hour until they have completed four postnatal placements.

Trainee Doulas

A trainee Doula is typically a doula who is either completing certification or has attended less than 4 births. We recommend parents to enquire about experience, training and fees with each Doula they speak to.

Currently Doula SK requires trainees to charge no more than $200 per birth until after they have attended four births.

 

Hardship Fund

We also have a hardship fund for those who would like to employ a Doula but feel they are unable to pay for her services. For more information click here