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Wendy Topping,
co-ordinates Doula Services at Birth
And BeYond. Wendy is
a mother of four teenagers and a Certified Doula with Doulas of
North America.
A Doula is
a trained professional member of the birth team who is a
continuous presence throughout labour. She provides emotional
support for both the Mother and her partner during labour and
birth. She will visit prenatally and again after the baby is
born providing ongoing care for the new family. During
labour, she may also suggest physical pain relieving techniques
and give information as needed. Research has proven doula care
to decrease the need for the usage of narcotics and lower
cesarean rates.
Doulas use a
variety of non-pharmacological techniques including massage,
hydrotherapy and visualizations to ease the suffering during
labour. Studies show that doula-supported women tend to
enjoy shorter less complicated labours with fewer medical
interventions and express greater satisfaction with their birth
and breastfeeding experiences.
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