How to Choose a Birth Doula

Taken from this article online .

1. Know how a doula can benefit you & your partner in pregnancy & in the birth of your child.
2. Learn the common misconceptions.
3. Contact the Certifying Organizations of Doulas. Childbirth International, for instance. Dona is one of the most popular though.
4. Search the internet, as most doulas are NOT listed in the Yellow Pages.
5. Contact your local La Leche League chapter.
   
6. Ask your care provider. Most have a list of local doulas.
7. At the interview, ask lots of questions & don't hold back.
8. Make sure your personalities mesh well together, as she will be involved in one of the most intimate environments ever.
9. Make sure you know her philosophies & biases. This DOES matter.
   

Kelly K, CD (CBI)

The Birth Survey is Live!

The Birth Survey results are in!
Visit the page for detailed info on our area & other areas in the U.S. on Birth Statistics, such as Maternal welfare, c-sections, interventions, hospital rates, etc.

Kelly K, CD (CBI)

Birth Stools

Benefits of giving birth on a Birth Stool / Birthing Chair

Benefits: Excellent use of gravity, easy for attendant to see birth, opens pelvis, takes pressure off back, known as one of the best positions to facilitate a difficult birth, helps mother to focus pushing efforts.

Drawbacks: Legs and bottom may fall asleep, can cause a quick birth and tearing, requires midwife or doctor to provide a birth stool. (unless you make or buy your own! See link below!

Birthing Stool/ Chair...
Kelly K, CD (CBI)

Maternity Care Quiz

Quiz: Maternity care, beware

Despite growing evidence of harm, many obstetricians and maternity hospitals still overuse high-tech procedures that can mean poorer outcomes for baby and Mom. Test your knowledge with our quiz below, and then learn more in our report.

True/False Quiz on Consumer Reports

Kelly K, CD (CBI)

Using a Midwife AND a Doula

Does this combo work ?
Over half of the mothers I have attended to have had midwives & the midwives have always spoke positively of the support given. The parents, too.

I would like to hear from mothers who have had both, or who chose NOT to have a doula because they HAD a midwife attending- my curiosity was piqued from this blog post at a Doula Speaks.

Virtual Labor

Only one who believes in women's bodies to birth & who may or may not be pregnant would enjoy this, but I thoroughly did. This tool is based on natural birth.

I love this Virtual Labor online of "what-to-do" and of what you CAN do when labor starts.
At each stop in the labor you will be required to make a decision about how to respond. The next part of your labor will be randomly selected based on the way you choose to handle the current situation. There is no right or wrong answer.