The Southwest Voice

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There is a small group of women here in Bakersfield and around the world that you may not know about. These women are called Doulas. A Doula is a women who is trained to care for another women throughout her pregnancy and teaches her how are care for her new baby after coming home. A Doula is there to educate new parents on what to expect throughout the pregnancy, what pains are normal and how to know if you are in real labor or not.

The Doula will come in and give you a childbirth education class at about the 36th week of pregnancy. She is also available by phone 24 hours a day in the event that mom or dad have a question or need a little advice. The Doula will be there when labor starts even if you want to labor at home for a while before going to the hospital. A Doula is trained in massage and trigger points to help speed the labor and keep mom as comfortable as possible. A Doula is also trained to spot problems in the labor room and can bring them to the attention of the doctor or nurse if needed. Your Doula is also there to make sure that you have the best possible birth you can have as described by you.

Some people think that if you have a Doula that you cannot have medication for pain, this is not true. Your Doula is there to educate you on all options for your birth, even pain medications. A Doula will take photos throughout your labor and delivery so that you will have a birth story. There is a natural chemical called Relaxant that is there to help you forget about the pain of labor and delivery and help you bond with your new baby. Because of this you may not remember these moments like the look on dads face the first time he sees his new baby. Dad cutting the cord, babies first bath. The Doula knows that you will want to have these moments caught on film so you can cherish them for years to come.

A Doula is not there to replace dad, she is there to help you both have the best birth experience possible. Nurses will  have to come and go throughout your labor and your doctor will only come in to delivery the baby. A Doula stays by your side throughout your entire labor and delivery.

After arriving back home the Doula will come in and help you with your breastfeeding if needed and will give you both a newborn care class. This class will cover bathing, cord care, clipping babies nails, comforting a crying baby and much more. Your Doula will then still on call for you as long as you need her.

To learn more about this service visit: www.doula-connection.com or call 319-1226.

Labor support. Don't give birth without it.