Hi,
I have a particular interest in working with couples both pre and post natal. I would also like to specialise in infertility as it something that i understand. I am a fully qualified massage therapist, IHM, AOR reflexologist and next year will study acupuncture. This will be great for the pain relief and such but feel it would be a help to both mothers and medical professionals to do a birthing doula course (so that whilst in the hospital can encourage and support correctly). However, would any of you mothers to be consider using a professional doula? They are there to support dads as well or to be a birthing partner for those people who are alone. They can help tremendously and like me give some pain relief naturally without hurting you or the baby (no side effects!). A great relief if like me you felt that your leg had been sat on by an elephant after pethidine injection!!!!
Let me know your thoughts please....
Cheers
Claire
P.s I am sounding the market out on this theory![sm=FIFangel.gif]
RE: Would anybody use a doula?
One of my colleagues specialises in all aspects of birthing and parenting from a complementary perspective.. she does baby massage instructor, hypnobirthing, fertility and pregnancy reflexology, baby yoga.. the lot and although she does regular treatments too, she's very busy indeed on the baby front.. I don't intend to have kids so can't comment on the doula side of things personally.. but I know babies are a huge market and anything which makes the pregnancy and birth a more enjoyable experience is very welcome indeed.
RE: Would anybody use a doula?
Hi, I looked into this a while back, as like you, I am incredibly passionate about pregnancy/birth and babies (plus the fact that my family is complete now and I am still incredibly broody so like to surround myself with pregnant women and babies to squash the urge a bit!). Anyway, I was on the verge of signing up for doula training (would suggest Paramanadoulas, they seemed the best to me and the training is done by Michel Odent which would be a FANTASTIC opportunity as he's one of of my birth idols! along with Ina May Gaskin and Sheila Kitzinger). Anyway I digress, in the end I decided against it (although am planning on doing the training for interest at some point next year probably) as I just didn't think it was economically viable.
To work as a doula (birth one anyway and I personally don't like the idea of postnatal ones, glorified housekeepers if you ask me) you need to be available 24/7 and I have kids so childcare would be a complete nightmare. Also I don't feel experienced enough (in life - am 29, I have 3 kids and have birthed every way possible from home waterbirth to flat on back on hospital bed with epidural) *BUT* to me a doula should be a big fat cuddly 50-60yr old matronly mum, not a 29yr old. Also, although the idea is starting to catch on I personally don't know anybody who has used one and I am not sure that you get very much business at all (training being £500 alone, plus marketing costs). Hence the decision not to train.
I am specialising in pregnancy and birth (Hypnobirthing and Homoeopathy for preg/birth/babies) and in the future am considering branching out into infant massage (but again, not economically viable - too much free stuff available now), I think ultimately though I will end up going in for NCT antenatal teacher training (when I've had a breather from 4yrs homoeopathy training though!) and am planning on setting up a local Homebirth support group.
I do still love the idea of being a doula, but for me I think it'll be in 20yrs time when my kids can fend for themselves and I'm a bit more matronly! (and hopefully the idea of doulas has caught on more).
Sarahx
RE: Would anybody use a doula?
I work as a midwife and have worked with a doula. Also one of my clients had a doula when she had her baby a year ago.
It is still quite a new thing but one that my clients often ask about. The doubla I know is warm and cuddly, but don't let that put you off. IMO its the caring that matters not your age or girth!
RE: Would anybody use a doula?
My mum was with me when I gave birth to my son. Do mums count as doulas?
Love,
Patsy.
xxxxxx
RE: Would anybody use a doula?
I think doula's are a great idea but quite difficult to put into practice if you are in a relationship. i say this because i had a baby girl five months ago and although my boyfriend was there I think it was all a little too much for him and i didn't get the support i would have liked. the problem is though, to suggest a stranger comes in to offer support would be insulting (he would view it as such) and I know would cause problems. but for those without a partner or mum or friend or sister, most definitely a good idea.
RE: Would anybody use a doula?
I think doulas are an excellent idea. My friends have told such horror stories of their birthing experiences in local hospitals - either not enough staff or rude/uncaring staff - that having one person who knows the process, who you've met before and formed a relationship with andwho is not going to leave you sounds like manna from heaven. I told my husband about doulas and he said when we have a baby he'd consider it a good investment too.
RE: Would anybody use a doula?
[sm=ladys-man.gif]Hi to you all and thanks for all of your views and time taken to send them in to me! I will give it some serious thought...
Cheers loads...
Claire