Calgary Childbirth Education Association

 Doula Services

    C.C.E.A. believes women can achieve their goals for labour and birth without unwanted medical interventions if women and their partners are provided with accurate information and effective support. The professional labour support provider/doula is "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support" (Klaus, 

Kennel and Klaus, Mothering the Mother, 1993) to a couple at home and their birthplace.

    Effective support starts in pregnancy by the development of a caring, sharing relationship between the couple and their doula through informational meetings. Effective support recognizes the couple as a team and encourages their relationship. Effective support provides continuity from home to the place of birth and home again. The needs and wishes of the couple are recognized and respected. Couples who have access to research based information can confidently make safe, responsible decisions about their own health in pregnancy, birth and beyond.

The C.C.E.A. Labour Support Team Provides:

           

Research based information about pregnancy, labour, birth, breastfeeding, newborn health

Emotional support such as positive affirmations regarding decisions and coping skills, visualizations, recognition of spiritual needs

Early labour management with the couple in their home

Continuing support in the birth place

Verbal support in requesting information from and interpreting information received from other health care providers

Physical support including nutrition, liquids, walking, bathing, showering, massage, effective positions for labour, setting the environment

Assessment of the progress of labour by cues from the labouring woman such as change in affect, distress level, frequency, strength, and length of contractions

The C.C.E.A. Labour Support Team refers couples to their caregiver or birth place if women report changes such as decreased fetal movement, fever, chills, leaking amniotic fluid, vaginal bleeding,

 headache, visual disturbances, epigastric pain, continuous abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting (Weiner, Clinical Manual of Maternal and Gynecologic Nursing, 1989).

The C.C.E.A. Labour Support Team does NOT:

Make decisions for women or their partners

Assess fetal heart rate by auscultation or monitor

Assess mother’s vital signs

Provide midwifery or medical services

    Research indicates Labour Support has a positive effect on the outcome for women as well as a decrease in expensive medical interventions. (Kennel, J.H. The physiologic effect of a supportive companion (doula) during labour, Birth Interaction and Attachment, 1982).

    If you would like to contact one of our doulas call us at 281-9485.  Leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

We hope we can be a part of your Birthing Team!

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