What is a Doula?

Also known as a labor assistant, a doula provides emotional and physical support for the laboring woman and her partner. A doula is trained to understand the natural process of birth, in all its aspects, for the purpose of facilitating the best birth experience for parents, baby, and primary care providers.

During pregnancy, a doula can be a wonderful resource, providing a well-rounded, informed perspective on the many choices a mother-to-be has before her.

During labor, a doula is an advocate for mom's birth plan, a friend, and a coach. We offer massage, breathing and meditative techniques to calm, and physical positioning to bring more ease.

Whatever your birth choices -- whether you will be laboring in the hospital, a tub, your home, or a birthing center, we can help make your birth a more conscious, empowering experience.

Why Have a Doula?

Numerous studies have revealed the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, revealed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. When a doula was present, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and reported having a more positive childbirth experience.(Hodnett ED. Gates S Hofmeyr GJ. Sakala C. Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.(3) CD003766, 2003.)

Other studies have shown that having a doula as part of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40% and the request for an epidural by 60%. (Klaus, M., Kennell, J., Klaus, P. Mothering the Mother.: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1993. )

Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John Kennell, massage helps stimulate the production of natural oxytocin. The pituitary gland secretes natural oxytocin to the bloodstream which causes uterine contractions and also secretes it to the brain, which results in a feeling of well being, drowsiness and a raised pain threshold. Synthetic IV oxytocin cannot cross into the blood stream and brain, so it increases contractions without the positive psychological effects of natural oxytocin.

"Nurturing the Pregnant Couple" Workshop

I recently attended a "Nurturing the Mother" training with Ellen Brady in Surfside Beach.  The "Nurturing the Mother" training certified me in Pregnancy (Prenatal, Labor, and Postnatal) Massage , as well as Yoga for the Pregnant Couple and Infant Massage.  I am particularly excited about this new training, as it compliments my current work as Doula (birth assistant) and Pregnancy Yoga teacher. 

This year I will be leading "Nurturing the Pregnant Couple" workshops for expectant moms and their birth partners at Sacred Space Yoga & Healing Arts Center (where I currently practice massage therapy and teach yoga). The next "Nurturing the Pregnant Couple" workshop is scheduled for:

Sunday March 13th 1:00-6:00pm - "Nurturing the Pregnant Couple" Workshop -- A body, mind, spirit approach to pregnancy.  This five hour intensive course focuses on massage and yoga techniques to benefit the expectant mother, her partner, and their baby. Course includes: 
  • Couples Prenatal Yoga & Relaxation
  • Partner Massage's (or Dad's) Need Massage Too
  • Pregnancy Massage, Labor Massage
  • Newborn & Infant Massage
  • General information and education on childbirth
  • Includes instructional hand-out

Taught by Jessica Graham Stout, certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist, Yoga Teacher, Doula, and Mother of a 3 year old. Class will be held at Sacred Space Yoga & Healing Arts Center 417 79th Ave. in Myrtle Beach. To register, please call 251-9642.

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