In times gone by neighbors, relatives, friends usually women of the community would gather round the birthing woman and lend their experienced hands. These women today known as doulas provided nurturing, emotional, and physical support that enabled a birthing woman to reach deep within herself and bring forth life.

The technological decade of the 70's began a steady increase in cesarean deliveries and by the 1980's the national average was 26% in the United States. The 90's decade has brought HMO insurances, educated consumers, and an increased use of DOULAS into the scenario. This has stabilized the national average according to many leading studies in the maternal child health field. DOULAS can make the difference between birthing naturally and high-tech cesarean. Birth in the new millennium will not go without its challenges; however, Doulas are here to stay.

BACK TO BASICS: THE WORK OF THE DOULA

Embraces and protects the birth walk of mother and child and the experiential event that will shape the lives of all participants.

Understands the relationship dynamics of the laboring woman and her partner and helps them meet their individual needs.

Provides ongoing emotional, physical support that enables mom to trust her instincts and do what she feels is best.

Understands the mind body connection during the birth process and how it affects a laboring woman.

Provides objectivity while helping mom and partner gather information for decision making.

Keeps the line of communication open with clinical staff to facilitate a positive birthing relationship.

With the growing popularity of labor support and the benefits that have been well-documented in medical literature, Doula supported births are on the rise. Although our health care system continues to change, the needs of the birthing woman remain the same.

Labor is shorter.

There are fewer complications.

There is less need for pitocin, forceps, or vacuum extraction.

There is less need for pain medication, epidurals, or cesarean births.

This intensive workshop is designed to assist participants in becoming professional labor support providers - doulas.  During this intensive training, the psychological and physiological processes associated with labor, birth and postpartum period will be discussed.  Participants will learn how to enable women and their partners to cope with the complications in pregnancy, labor and early postpartum.  The doula's scope of practice and ethical standards will also be described.  Practical tips on getting started as a doula and/or beginning a doula service will be provided.