Re: doulas -- for Lynn

[Guest guest]

Well, my expectation was for the doula to give support for the laboring pt.

To help her through the process of natural labor, as far as focus points,

massage, comfort, back rubs, cool wash cloth...and the list goes on.

Well, this doula sat in the chair with her nice little outfit on, hair done

and make-up all in place. She sat and chatted with the husband!

I can say she did help carry in the pts bags.

I did all of the work, as if I were in the room alone with the patient. I did

exactly what I would do with any other laboring pt.

I will never forget that experience. It was not positive at all. Lynn

[Guest guest]

For Lynn and Anabel,

Although I had never heard the term " doulas " before, (we called them coaches)

, I never had any trouble with them. When we first met, I asked them,

both coach and patient, what their expectations of the labor was. After I

heard that, I asked the coach what he or she wanted to do for the patient.

When we had all that figured out, I sometimes had to work out adjustments with

them, but by and large, all went well.

Maybe you gals, that seem to have " trouble " with them, could do that. It

will solve all your problems. Some coaches are afraid to get too involved, as

some RN's tend to be offended, etc. They don't know where they stand, unless

you tell them what you expect and learn what they expect. Like all problems

in this world, good, meaningful, communication is the answer.

Hope this helps.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/20/99 21:06:02 Eastern Standard Time, baloo@...

writes:

<< I am also a Montrice, >>

Sorry but I have never heard this term. What is a montrice?

Robin

Ohio

[Guest guest]

>That was my expectation of doulas too...that they would help the laboring

>woman physically. I was glad for the one I worked with -- the charting

duties

>are enormous and I really don't ordinarily have time for the one-on-one.

Do

>you know for a fact that the one in that birth was a licensed " doula " ? I

>think that the term is a lot like " lactation consultant " ... there is

>certification but not everyone has it, and you don't really need it to call

>oneself that.

Hi -

Certification is not a huge deal. It consists of a work shop that consists

of 24 hours of class time, then you read several books, and then you attend

three births, which are to certify that you have to have birthing staff and

the birthing parents sign off on, then you pay your money and wait for Dona.

I chose not to get certified. I feel Dona has to many funky regulations for

my liking. So doula's are not licensed as are RN's or LPN's although with

the way things are going it's going to happen. I am also a Montrice, and

studied to earn that, and I did get certified in that area, as that is more

of a benefit to me. CBE's also can get certified, but they aren't licensed

either.

Marna

[Guest guest]

Anabel, yes she was the doula for the family and paid very well, to sit and

talk. Lynn

[Guest guest]

Not! I did communicate. The lady sat in the chair and did NOTHING!!!

Anyway, enough of the doula converstion. Not every doula or midwife is the

same. I approach everyone the same and take it from there.

[Guest guest]

[OBnurses] Re: doulas -- for Lynn

>From: RLPasquale@...

>

>In a message dated 03/20/99 21:06:02 Eastern Standard Time,

baloo@...

>writes:

>

><< I am also a Montrice, >>

>Sorry but I have never heard this term. What is a montrice?

>

>Robin

>Ohio

Hi Robin -

I looked through my stuff and found this official definition:)

Montrice is a woman trained to provide both emotional and clinical support

for the birthing family, in or out of the hospital. The services include

the following:

a.. Assistance in developing a birth plan.

b.. Help you to stay home as long as possible in labor.

c.. Accompany you to the hospital as your personal advocate.

d.. Help you communicate with your health care providers.

e.. Labor and delivery suupport for a natural birth.

f.. Emotional support for you and your husband before, during and after

the birth.

g.. Fetal assessment, check for dilation.

h.. Help you cope with labor in natural ways and with your own resources.

i.. Help you recognize what is normal and what is not, and alternatives to

traditional treatment.

They peform the same functions a doula does, but they take it a step further

and perform VE's, Fetal Assement, vitals etc...

They do not administer medication, or peform any nursing duties persay.

Marna

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/20/99 1:07:35 PM Eastern Standard Time,

CherubJoen@... writes:

<< After I

heard that, I asked the coach what he or she wanted to do for the patient.

When we had all that figured out, I sometimes had to work out adjustments

with

them, but by and large, all went well. >>

I find that some doulas are definately " better " than others. The key for me

is if I feel that something " else " might be helping better, i.e. tub vs

ambulation or whatever, I approach the doula and make the suggestion to her

and then she can approach the patient. The doula and patient have usually

established quite a bond. I treat a doula like " bradly " , instead of husband

coached, doula coached. I have never had a doula tell me she didn't think

something was a good idea. I have had a few " chair sitters " , and they can be

given cool washcloths with some aromatherapy added with instructions on

use(chills them out too!), shown just the right spot for counter pressure on a

back and so on. They usually jump right in when shown what to do.

We must remember we are a team for this birthing family.

Jan