|
|
|
  Frequently Asked Questions - What does it mean to be certified? There are several doula certifying organizations. I chose DONA International for their professionalism and long standing reputation for excellence. To be certified with DONA, one must complete required reading, attain education on both childbirth and breastfeeding, attend an intense workshop and be a doula for at least three births. I received my doula certification in August of 2010 and my Child Birth Educator certification in May of 2011.
- I have a great friend/mom/partner who wants to help at birth, can't they provide all the support a doula can? While other support people have the advantage of knowing you well, they are usually not trained to provide the level of support a doula can, however a doula and a special person in your life can give excellent support together, especially in a long or unmedicated birth.
- What about my partner? A doula's job is to help the couple have the birth they want, so mom's partner is never left out. He is an important part of the team!
- How do you feel about home births? I am happy to support a woman birthing at home, in a birthing center or hospital.
- Can I use a doula if I plan to have an epidural? Yes! A doula can help you manage labor until the epidural is administered. Sometimes an epidural provides only partial pain relief so a doula can help the mother further reduce pain with comfort measures such as massage and position changes. She can also aid in understanding hospital procedures, and can help you get off to a good breastfeeding start.
- What if I have a Cesarean section birth? A doula can still be beneficial to both you and your partner if you give birth surgically. She can keep you calm, help you understand procedures and help you and your partner get settled back in your room afterward the birth. Hospital policies dictate whether a doula can be in the operating room with you.
- I would like to try to VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), do you have experience with this? I know the decision to VBAC is not an easy one to make. I agonized over the decision long before I even became pregnant after my Cesarean birth. I know firsthand the extra assurance a VBAC-ing woman and her partner need. I am honored to help moms achieve their VBAC.
- What if I face breastfeeding challenges? I love to help moms establish breastfeeding, but if your challenges call for extra support, I have an excellent partner available to help you, her fees are separate but she will not let financial limitations keep you from the help you need.
- Can we meet first to make sure we "mesh"? Absolutely! I always offer a free initial meeting for this purpose and to answer your questions. Give me a call!
- How soon should I contact you? As soon as possible. I am the only active doula in town and the only one teaching natural childbirth classes so my schedule fills fast.
Copyright 2011 Wendy Fowler. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
