Michiana Doulas provides support system for expectant parents

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Michiana Doulas provides support system for expectant parents

GRANGER, IN -- A group of childbirth support professionals in the area recently formed Michiana Doulas, an organization dedicated to the education of families on the many choices they have in planning the births of their babies, as well as to providing emotional support during labor and delivery. On August 29th, in Granger, Michiana Doulas will be hosting a complimentary tea for expectant mothers, where discussions will be held about natural childbirth, breastfeeding, and other natural parenting choices such as whether or not to sleep with your baby.

Childbirth in Michiana

In July of 2008, Michelle Dolan and Bridget McGann of Granger and Shanti Bradley of South Bend noticed a lack of resources and support for mothers in the South Bend area who wish to pursue natural childbirth and child-rearing methods. Dolan herself had intended on a natural birth for her first child and, due to unforeseen circumstances, her son Jamie was born via Cesarean section, causing Dolan a long and painful recovery and difficulty initiating breastfeeding. She would later learn that not every aspect of her delivery was out of her control, and that the C-section might have been prevented if she’d had the proper guidance and preparation. After hearing of other Michiana women having similar experiences, Dolan, McGann and Bradley decided to work to support and empower other women in achieving the births they envision for their babies.

Dolan, McGann and Bradley all entered training with DONA International (www.dona.org), which trains birth professionals from all walks of life to guide families through the birthing process. They learn to help educate parents about their many birthing options, work with them to develop a birth plan, and provide emotional and physical support during and immediately following the labor and birth process. This type of professional is most commonly referred to as a “doula,” which is an ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.”

Since childbirth moved out of the home and into the hospital, the modern doula has acquired an additional role: a sort of medical "translator." While doulas are not medical professionals and do not make any medical decisions or perform any medical procedures, they can be helpful in translating “medical jargon” into layman's terms and guiding parents as they navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of hospital birth.

Many families, however, are choosing to have their babies at home, due to concerns about rising C-section rates. A survey of all hospitals within a 30-mile radius of South Bend indicates that 26 percent of all Michiana hospital deliveries are via C-section. This is far above the World Health Organization recommendations for optimal Cesarean section rates, which fall between 5 and 10 percent (Althabe and Belizan 2006).

This discrepancy indicates a number of cesareans that are possibly being performed unnecessarily. A 2007 study at the Boston University School of Public Health indicates that Caesarean sections performed without a medical reason result in longer hospital stays, higher costs and more than twice as many re-hospitalizations as vaginal deliveries. With rising healthcare costs being a hot topic in the national media, an estimated $4.7 billion per year is being spent performing surgery on people who are not even "sick": laboring mothers.

There are many problems contributing to the rise in C-section rates in the United States, including excessive malpractice lawsuits, practitioners refusal to inform women of the option to deliver vaginally after a previous cesarean birth (VBAC), side effects of commonly used interventions, and a general casual attitude towards surgery. Despite a clear call from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for more judicious use of the procedure, Cesarean section has become so commonplace in the U.S. that it is easy to overlook the fact that it is major abdominal surgery and that there are many extra risks in comparison with vaginal birth. The risks for the mother include maternal death, infection, emergency hysterectomy, re-hospitalization, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and postpartum depression. Babies delivered via C-section run a high risk of accidental surgical cuts, respiratory problems, difficulties with breastfeeding and asthma. (www.childbirthconnection.org)

The role of a doula

Many mothers go into labor unaware of just how much of an impact they can have on the outcome of their births. A doula can provide the informational and educational support so that parents have the tools they need to achieve the birth they want.

First, in a prenatal meeting, doula can help parents discover precisely what their priorities are with regards to where and how their baby is born. Then, during labor, the doula helps keep the parents focused on those priorities, and provides continuous physical and emotional support. She can also utilize massage and guided breathing techniques to help the mother cope with labor pain so as to avoid medicinal intervention, and provide guidance and assistance with turning a posterior presenting baby. These and other measures can be taken before and during labor to avoid the necessity for a C-section.

Beyond these purposes, the role of the doula can vary depending on each family's individual needs. Some families, such as perhaps a young single mom, may need the doula to act as a labor coach and primary support person. Others, such as third-time parents delivering twins via C-section, may need the doula to translate medical jargon and manage the comings and goings of visitors. The doula does not replace other support, such as fathers, grandmothers or friends; rather, they can enhance the care the parents already have by providing the perspective of a trained professional. She may think of solutions or comfort measures that family members may not think of, such as rocking on a birthing ball. Most doulas also carry supplies that parents may have forgotten to pack -- heat packs and massage oils, for example.

While a doula may provide information about medical procedures or discuss the various interventions which may become necessary, a doula is not a medical professional and does not perform any medical procedures. A doula will provide information and options, but she will never make decisions for the parents or tell them what they should do. Rather, she will help prepare parents for the birth experience, and empower them to participate actively in the process at every stage.

For hospital births, DONA takes special care to train doulas to work effectively with medical personnel, without "stepping on toes." Most doctors and nurses are very receptive of doulas, once they are familiar with the concept. Many of the nurses at Memorial Hospital of South Bend are trained as doulas. "We respect the role that everyone plays in childbirth -- from the medical staff to Grandma and Grandpa," says McGann. "It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a village to deliver one as well!" But while doctors and nurses may come and go throughout labor, a doula's continuous presence provides a sense of continuity and security that a woman in labor needs.

Contrary to common misconception, the service of a doula is not a luxury reserved for the wealthy, privileged few. Fee ranges vary from city to city, but in the Michiana area, a doula may charge between $300-$500, depending on qualifications and experience. This usually includes one or more prenatal meetings, continuous support throughout labor as well as for a few hours after delivery. Some doulas specialize in prenatal work, and some may be willing to stay with the family for a few days or weeks after the baby is born, to help new parents and/or older siblings adjust to the new baby, and some may do light house work as well. Many doulas in training are willing to provide their services free of charge if parents are willing to fill out a short evaluation form as part of her certification process.

Complimentary Tea for Expectant Mothers

In an effort to educate the public, Michiana Doulas will be hosting a complimentary tea for expectant mothers on August 29th at the McGann Hay Chapel in Granger. As mothers and their guests sip tea and munch on finger foods, several speakers will hold discussions on various natural child-rearing options. “We want to make families aware of how many choices they really do have," says McGann.

Included in the presentations will be a discussion about the tools that can be used to achieve the goal of a vaginal childbirth with or without medication, presented by Michiana Doulas. The role of a doula will also be addressed. "Our goal is for us to make the community aware that our service is available to them," says Bradley. "I've talked to so many moms who tell me they would love to have had a doula, but either didn't know about them or couldn't find any in the area. This tea is our way of saying 'Here we are!' so that expectant families know how to find us."

Several area professionals have also been invited to present on special topics. Suzanne Makielski, an Occupational Therapist and Yoga instructor will be presenting on the benefits and techniques of infant massage -- another useful tool in any new parent's arsenal. When incorporated into baby's nighttime routine, infant massage can relax baby and mother and help both sleep sooner and sounder.

Another vital topic covered will be breastfeeding. According to Le Leche League of South Bend, only 6% of Indiana mothers choose to breastfeed, despite mounting evidence of its physical and mental benefits for both mother and child. That number can only be raised by making support and resources readily available for nursing mothers when they’re struggling to make breastfeeding work. Representing Le Leche League will be Anita Wright of South Bend.

Also among the discussions will be the controversial question of “co-sleeping.” While the term encompasses several different ways of sleeping with your child nearby (in a bassinet next to the bed, for example), the most controversial of these methods is the practice of parents placing their babies to sleep in their bed with them. Since 2006 the Indiana Department of Child Services has been running a controversial public service announcement wherein a mother sleeping with her baby on the couch awakes to find that the baby has stopped breathing. “Never sleep with your baby,” the ad warns. But world-renowned pediatrician Dr. William Sears and Dr. James McKenna, director of the Mother-Baby Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame both believe that the studies that initially raised the alarm about co-sleeping were flawed. Going even further, Dr. Sears states that "Co-sleeping, if practiced wisely and safely, can actually lower the risk of SIDS." Safe practices include placing the baby to sleep on his back, and clearing his sleeping area of loose clothing, sheets and pillows. A briefing on the research and further reading material will be provided, so that parents have the tools to make an informed decision on this issue.

The Michiana Doulas Complimentary Tea for Expectant Mothers will be held on August 29th from 3:00 - 4:00 PM at McGann Hay Chapel on St. Rd. 23 in Granger. Door prizes, including a free doula, a belly casting and a baby sling, will also be given out. Admission and everything included is free, but guests are asked to RSVP by August 27th. Guests may register online at michianadoulas.com or by calling (574) 532-8083. Family and friends are welcome.

About Michiana Doulas

Michiana Doulas is a not-for-profit networking group founded in July of 2008 by Bridget McGann, Michelle Dolan, and Shanti Bradley in an effort to bring increased support to Michiana women before, during and following childbirth. The group also works to bring mother-infant care professionals together in order to create a stronger support system and local resources for mothers who choose natural birth and child-rearing options. More information can be found on the web at http://www.michianadoulas.com.

To request interviews or for more information please contact Bridget McGann at (304) 729-4422.

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