A+)
The word doula originates from the Ancient Greek and infers the position of a female
slave. - ANSWER-
In modern terminology a doula refers to one who labors with a woman and serves her
during childbirth and the postpartum period. - ANSWER-
A doula is a non-medical mother-labor assistant and is trained in both physical and
emotional comfort measures. Improved birth outcomes along with shortened dura- tion
are associated with doula supported birth. - ANSWER-
The overarching objective of a doula is to safeguard the mother, protect her space,
ensure a feeling of safety and inspire confidence in her own ability before, during, and
after delivery. - ANSWER-
A doula is a pregnancy, birth and postpartum companion. - ANSWER-
A doula is educated in understanding and recognizing both the emotional and physical
needs a woman has and works to meet those needs . - ANSWER-
Being a doula is an effective ministry tool because it allows you the ability to speak
into their lives,support and encourage them, invite Jesus into the very room in which the
labor, meet them in their most intimate moment and to love and intercede for each
woman. - ANSWER-
A doula is a: Female Servant, Enslaved One, Nurturer, Protector, Educator,
Companion, Advocate, Safe Place, Comforter, Encourager - ANSWER-
What are some of the ways a doula can help women? - ANSWER-A doula does, but is
not limited to, the following: Birth Education, Birth Planning and Preparation, Home
Visits, Massage: Prenatal, Postpartum and Newborn, Optimal Fetal Position, Support
and Comfort During Labor, Photography, Birth Story, Debriefing, and Belly Binding.
A doula can guarantee: To be honest with the mother during all aspects of pregnancy,
labor and birth. To provide a feeling of safety and assurance when all is normal. To
explain clearly the situation as it occurs. To be an advocate and help each woman
maintain her voice. To not be easily offended. To help each woman cope with the
physical pain. - ANSWER-
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. - ANSWER-
, The benefits of a doula are:
50% fewer cesarean sections
60% fewer requests for epidurals
40% reduction in the use of synthetic oxytocin for inductions or augmentations 30%
reduction in use of pain medication
25% reduction in labor length Increased rates of breastfeeding at 6 weeks postpartum.
Higher self-esteem and less depression at 6 weeks postpartum. - ANSWER-
What is a doula not? - ANSWER-A doula is not a nurse nor a midwife.
A doula should walk with the woman through the whole process, bringing comfort and
knowledge in all periods surrounding the triad months of childbearing (the month before,
the month of and the month following birth). - ANSWER-
What is a montrice? - ANSWER-A montrice is considered a non-medical birth attendant
with both doula capacity and clinical assessment skills.
What skills does a montrice use? - ANSWER-Montrice skills include prenatal education,
taking and documenting vital signs of the mother, vaginal exams for progress of labor,
newborn assessment and care, breast-feeding and lactation support, weighing of the
baby and charting growth progress.
In both the capacity of doula and montrice, we are above all a servant. - ANSWER-
Doulas anticipate and meet the needs of the mother and advocate for her to receive the
best care possible; we are her voice. - ANSWER-
How do most people listen? - ANSWER-Most people listen with the intent to reply, not
to understand.
What affects our beliefs about childbirth? - ANSWER-Religion, society, our own
experiences and culture effects our beliefs about childbirth.
Fear is one of the prevailing spirits over birth. - ANSWER-
To become a doula is to become an advocate. - ANSWER-
Before we begin to serve others in the birth environment we need to know what our own
beliefs are and why we hold those beliefs. - ANSWER-
How well we communicate, or do not communicate, with the mother prior to labor is how
we will or will not communicate during labor. - ANSWER-
Prenatal care is not what takes place at the monthly or bi-monthly visit to the health
clinic or midwife, but rather prenatal care is what occurs and takes place in between