Doula

"It truly is a passion of mine to help moms birth naturally and answer questions for you when you are uncertain. Labor is not the time to become tense, anxious, or annoyed with all that is involved. The birth of your baby and comfort for you are my concerns as a labor doula."

Joyce Maxwell Downs C.N.N.-C.L.D.

certified labor doula- certified water birth doula

Why is a doula needed today?

In the 60's and 70's the Lamaze Movement began, and slowly women demanded their rights to give birth normally, doctors usually don't have an interest in the dealing with someone out of control. Birth was viewed as a medical event, not a celebration of life or a passage into motherhood, and the pressure of labor pains was viewed as a mistake of nature that needed to be fixed.

Since then, hospitals started providing women more rights and freedoms during labor. Permitting labor and delivery rooms as one, family and friends may be present, giving birth with or without medications and subconsciously or consciously, the laboring mother may consider her labor contractions, dangerous or feel that something was wrong. High anxiety may slow down labor, which may lead to medical interventions. While childbirth is hard work, the pressure and intensity does become greater. Magnified pain leads to more fear, into more fear and the cycle continues. This is where the labor doula comes in.

Doulas view pregnancy and childbirth as a natural process. They trust the woman's body to birth her baby, and they respect a woman's individual way of laboring.

Having someone present who trusts in the birth process, who wants nothing more than for the mother to have a positive birth experience and at the same time understands that there is a place and time for medical interventions.

Labor and delivery of a child is painful, but to know how to get thru the situation and relieve you with massage, water baths, walking, essential oils, pressure points for pain relief are just some of the ways I can help you thru this exciting time in your life.

What is a labor doula?

A labor doula is a professional who provides emotional, physical, informational and practical support for the expectant laboring or post-partum mother. She does not perform any medical tasks but actually complements the medical birth team. The word doula means woman servant.

A labor doula helps the mother cope with labor pains, and helps her to have a pleasant birth experience. I meet with you at least 3 times before the birth to discuss your expectations and various options for labor. I help the mother relax and feel confident, provide massages, and assist with laboring and pushing positions. As a doula I help the father be included in the birth to the extent that he is comfortable.

A Doula is not someone who simply holds a laboring woman's hand. Doulas are trained and experienced professionals who are invaluable to the woman and her partner in many ways.

After 38 hours of hard labor, including more than 10 hours of back labor. I was ready to give up. I was not progessing : my cervix was only 8 cm. dilated. Joyce told me that no matter what, i was going to be holding my beautiful baby in my arms in a couple hours. She turned up the lights in the room, but some upbeat music on, but my butt on the birthing ball and said," lets get this done." I thought she was crazy! But, my beautiful girl arrived within a hour. My doctor was trying to convience me that I maybe could not have this baby, but Joyce never gave up. And praise God i did not have to have a c-sec. I know within my heart without Joyce in that room with me, i would of gave up and let the doctor talk me into a c-sec. She is worth far more than what she costs for me. I can not convience you enough to have a doula on your side when birthing, you never know the circumstances until you are there.

Thanks Joyce!

work accomplished -

healthy baby and non-c sec. after 24 hour labor.

Great comfort during labor is the birthing ball.

no greater reward-

grateful mother & father.

Labour TENS is an advanced maternity TENS machine providing pain relief from the first contraction through birth and beyond. This highly effective pain management tool can be used alone for a drug free birth or with any other pain relief method.

The NeuroTrac Labour TENS is an advanced and modern digital dual channel TENS unit featuring a dedicated Labor Pain program. Three different treatment modes provide maximum flexibility for pain relief. Used extensively throughout the world.

JMD Lifestyle