Welcome! I am a birth and postpartum doula. Working with women during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period is my purpose, my honor and my pleasure. I enjoy sharing knowledge and empowering women to move though this process on her own terms. Thank you for visiting my website! What is a Birth or Labor Doula? A birth or Labour doula is a woman who is knowledgeable about childbirth and provides a woman and her partner with continuous physical, emotional and informational support before and during childbirth, and directly postpartum. Doulas can help the woman and her partner decide on birth preferences, assist with comfort measures, communicate more effectively with your care provider and works with Mom and her partner to prepare for roles and relaxation during the birth. She may be the only person present that is there solely for the mother’s emotional well being and support. Doulas recognize childbirth as a normal and healthy life experience for women, and strive to help make it the most empowering experience possible for everyone involved. . The Doula is a constant with no shift changes, no clinical responsibilities or other women to care for. The Doula will only take brief meal or bathroom breaks unless mom is asleep or labor is very long (very long labors may require a back-up doula for a short time). She understands what a laboring woman is going through as she guides mom in breathing techniques, positioning, massage and use of the bath, shower, birth ball, hot and cold packs and other comfort measures. A doula does not replace the father/partner's role. She is additional support for the mother and the partner. One grateful father said, "I heaved a big sigh of relief when our doula walked in. I hadn't realized how much pressure I'd been feeling." A new mother said, "I don't know what we would have done without her." Doula Proven Results: 50% reduction of cesarean rate 25% shorter labor 60% reduction in epidural requests 30% reduction in analgesia use 40% reduction in forceps delivery Several studies have found that nurses who care for women in labor spend only 6% - 12.5% of their time in supportive care activities (Tumblin, A., & Simkin, P. – 2001). A doula will be with you from the time you want her there until your baby is nestled in your arms. According to a review of clinical trial that studied the role of the doula, women who received support from a doula had shorter labors – on average, 98 minutes shorter – than women who had no additional support. The review also found that women who had continuous support from a doula were 36% less likely to need analgesia; 71% less likely to receive oxytocin (pitocin); 57% less likely to have forceps delivery; and 51% less likely to have a C-section (Scott, K., Berkowitz, G., & Klaus, M. – 1999). What is a Postpartum Doula? The role of a Postpartum Doula is to "Mother the New Mother." She comes along side the new Mother and her family and supports them during the transition of the postpartum period. What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. She does whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby such as education, breastfeeding support, share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable and may perform tasks such as errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation, etc. As a non-judgmental caregiver, she assists the new mother with her recovery from the birth experience, allowing her to focus on the needs of the new baby. Empowering mom and dad to feel strong and confident about parenting is a Postpartum Doula's main goal . |
| Rena Henson Birth and Postpartum Doula |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Rena Henson 803-324-7838 Home 803-325-4822 Cell Email: info@divinedeliveries.org |