Page 14 - Shalom Toronto Centre Passover 2024

Birth and Beyond... Supporting the Birth of Your Baby and Your Growing Family
Ask yourself...
•Would you go to a foreign country without a tour guide? •Would you sign your child up for a sports program that doesn’t have a coach to support them?
Like tour guides and coaches, doulas help support new families through the life changing experience of having a baby! So now you ask... what is this thing called a Doula? A doula comes from the Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and that is exactly what a doula does!
Doulas are trained professionals who support expectant mothers (and their partners) during their birth experience. Studies have shown that continuous support in labour (like doulas) increased the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth, had no identified adverse effects, women were more satisfied with their birth experience and, babies are healthier and breastfeed with greater ease and success. (Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007).
Doulas work with the medical team of midwives and/or doctors to help the mother- to-be to achieve the birth she hopes for. A doula is a valuable, essential addition to the birth team. Should a birth become complicated and require medical assistance, a doula will still remain by your side. Doulas do not make medicaldecisions; they do provide balanced information so that families can make their own choices.
DONA International, the oldest and most respected doula education and certification program worldwide put together this fantastic summary about the role of a doula: To the mother ( and partner) we affirm,
1. You cannot hurt my feelings in labour
2. I won’t lie to you in labour 3. I will do everything in my
power so you do not suffer 4. I will help you to feel safe 5. I cannot speak for you; but I
will make sure that you have a voice and I will make sure you are heard.
Doesn't that sound fantastic? Many consider doulas to be an absolute must, after all why would you go to any “game” without your coach.
Cheryl (Top) and Chari (Bottom) - The Dynamic Doula Duo
14 SHALOM TORONTO Central edition PASSOVER 2024