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Emmecat 
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Joined: 30 April 2007
Location: New Zealand
Points: 5068
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 Posted: 21 October 2010 at 8:08pm |
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I would've loved a Doula but like the rest of you, didn't know where to start looking for how much they cost etc. Am also quite interested in training to become one....once I'm past having this baby and maybe settled down a bit lol
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mybeautiful3
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Joined: 17 July 2009
Location: Auckland
Points: 45
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Posted: 22 October 2010 at 10:00am |
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Hi Ladies,
Here is some information on what Doulas do, including the benefits of using one.
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.
A Doula recognizes birth as a key experience that the mother will remember all her life. She has studied the physiology of birth and understands the emotional needs of a woman in labour
She will also be able to assist the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth. A doula helps the woman at her home in early labour, until she is ready to transfer to the birthing unit if she has chosen a hospital birth. She is a valuable continuous support, in that she stays with the mother until the baby is born-irrelevant of shift changes with the LMC and hospital staff.
Apart from emotional support she offers, she provides many physical comfort measures and works with various labour positions to encourage optimal fetal positioning.
Doulas perceive their role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience. We also encourage the woman's partner to participate at a level that is comfortable to him.
Studies have shown the benefits include;
- decreases c-section rate by up to 50%,
- decreases the length of labor by 25%,
- decreases the risk of synthetic oxytocin by 40%
- decreases the requests for epidurals by up to 60%
Doula's fees vary according to their experience, the type of package they offer and other factors. In New Zealand fees seem to vary from $350 - $1800.
A lot of Doula's are also negotiable with their fees, with some offering free services to support teen mums.
Edited by mybeautiful3
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Just  my job as a Birth Doula!
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weegee
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Joined: 28 May 2008
Location: Kaukapakapa
Points: 4611
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Posted: 22 October 2010 at 10:38am |
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I do wonder if there's as much need for doula support here in NZ where most women have midwife-centred care? I completely understand how it can be essential in the US where midwives are the exception rather than the norm, but I just wonder if midwives might feel their toes are being trodden on a little?
(Coming from a sympathetic point of view - I'm another one who's considered doula training, the requirements didn't seem particularly onerous)
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Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010
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mybeautiful3
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Joined: 17 July 2009
Location: Auckland
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Posted: 22 October 2010 at 11:13am |
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The requirements to become a Doula - its all about the passion for supporting another woman during pg & labour - and having a very strong support structure at home - I spent 18hrs away from home yesterday & dh was happy to continue family life in my absence ;)
Edited by mybeautiful3
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Just my job as a Birth Doula!
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Rachael21
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Joined: 01 January 1900
Location: New Zealand
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Posted: 22 October 2010 at 1:20pm |
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Can I ask what the training involves? That seems very expensive considering you could just about hire another midwife for that price!
How many visits do you do antenatally and postnatally?
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Madiandmini
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Joined: 01 July 2009
Location: Hawera, Taranaki
Points: 740
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Posted: 23 October 2010 at 8:34am |
Mybeautiful3, thanks for adding that. Its really neat to hear a perspective of the job and to know that you do fit in around the NZ midwifery care.
I can't wait to do the training, I'm actually very excited to soon be able to be a doula and support women in labour & before & after. 
Emmecat thats my plan too, once this bub is maybe 4+months old..Depending on how I'm coping LOL!!
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jacobsmummy
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Joined: 22 April 2009
Location: Invercargill
Points: 852
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Posted: 23 November 2010 at 4:33pm |
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ive never used a doula, but we had a cbe student for my 2nd pregnancy, but she didnt make it the birth because isabella arrived at 31wks in the early hours because i had a placenta apurbtion and needded a c-section straight away.
Think my mw rang her later cos my cbe student rang me to see how i was etc.
She did get to go to a antnatal vist and got to go to a scan, it was neat to be able to share my pregnancy with a birth support person, also hubby was there too.
Id been keen on doula training, i googled on the net doula and it come up with birth and postnatal ones.
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mybeautiful3
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Posted: 10 December 2010 at 8:53pm |
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You can try Childbirth International or Optimum Childbirth - jacobsmummy :)
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Just my job as a Birth Doula!
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jacobsmummy
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Joined: 22 April 2009
Location: Invercargill
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Posted: 16 March 2011 at 5:03pm |
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Cool il have a look at them :)
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mybeautiful3
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Posted: 28 April 2011 at 2:22pm |
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jacobsmummy - let me know if you need any further info - else PM me :)
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Just my job as a Birth Doula!
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Anyone using a Doula?
