The origin of the word Doula The prestigious medical journal New England Medical Journal published a study in the 80s made by Dr. Klaus and Kenon in a large public hospital in Guatemala (60 births a day) during the 70′s. They found that the rate of interventions, caesarean section and was very high drug spending. To try to solve the problem by performing the following study: randomly assigned women to other women who were mothers, with experience in birth, so that will handle labor and other health personnel were assigned, as usual. They found that younger women had far fewer interventions stated. Repeating the study in Houston, Texas, with lower-class women, mostly Mexican and Puerto Rican migrants, and the results were very similar. Surprisingly, it turned to be done with middle-class American women, with different results. When published these studies did not find the right word to describe the woman who accompanied the birth, and chose the Greek word “doula.” It is a word that comes from ancient Greek and means slave or servant in a big house, and that probably helped the woman of the house during the birth process. But in reality, since this word literally means servant in Greek environments prefer to use the name “paramana doula” which has a meaning closer to that being sought. Anyway, throughout the world is identified with the name doula to women, with knowledge of labor and birth itself, which accompanies the woman who will give birth. What is a doula? A doula is an experienced birth assistance provides ongoing support, information and emotional and physical support to pregnant women before, during and just after childbirth. Doulas attend women giving birth in hospitals, homes and at home births. The first mission of the doula is to report positively on the experience of motherhood and childbirth for pregnant women and their families. The foundation of a doula care is based on the knowledge that the continuous emotional support and confidence during the birthing process enhances and facilitates all stages of motherhood greatly. The important thing about a doula is not, then what she knows, but who she is, his personality, because that is what most influences to help women in labor. Tasks you can perform a doula: * During pregnancy : Discuss your goals for the birth and any doubt and fear It complements the information received in the childbirth preparation classes by the midwife It reports the birth process and the pain and suggested ideas to improve comfort appropriate to the circumstances Provides advice on a birth plan to consult with your doctor or midwife * During labor Accompanies you when you feel the need for their support, offering emotional support He is with you to answer your questions and encourage you Suggests ways to endure the pain and facilitate delivery in collaboration with the medical staff It acts as a watchdog of the wishes of the mother during the birth process against unwanted interventions Help creating a suitable environment for the mother (reducing noise and light, playing music, adjusting the heat or cold, answering the phone, etc.).

Original Source of Doulas