EmPOWERment Birthing

What is a Doula? 

A doula is woman trained and experienced in childbirth.  A doula provides physical, emotional and informational support to the expectant mother and her partner during labor, delivery and in the postpartum period.  Studies prove that having a doula present at birth, a woman's labors are shorter, they have fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies.  Evidence also suggests that women are more satisfied with their birth experience when a doula is present and fathers stay more involved with their partner and baby.

Research Indicates that having a doula can:

• Decrease in C-sections rates by 50%
• Decrease in labor length by 25%
• Decrease in pitocin use by 40%
• Decrease in requests for pain meds by 30%
• Decrease in forcepts use by 40%
• Decrease in use of epidurals by 60%

Services I provide as a Doula 

• I will accompany you to at least one prenatal appointment with your doctor or midwife. 
• As part of my services I offer Childbirth Education Classes, helping you identify your birthing choices and help you set up your Birth Plan. 
• I am  available 24 hours by phone for questions re. prenatal care, labor signs, postpartum care etc...
• I help you in labor with pain management and coping methods ie: the birth ball, Yoga Birthing, walking, changing positions for back labor and pain relief, hot and cold compresses, accupressure, reflexology, massage, water therapy, soothing and encouraging words, soothing music of your choice, and maintaining a calm and peaceful birthing atmosphere.  
• I act as  your advocate in a hospital birth, ensuring that your Birth Plan and physical and philosophical choices are met with respect and implemented compassionately.  
• I am  with you continually throughout your labor and  for 2 hours after the birth of your baby.
• I will  visit you, at least once, postpartum. 
• I provide information and support anyone that you consider part of your "birth team".

"Having  a doula present throughout my pregnancy brought me a tremendous amount of comfort.  The comfort actually began several months prior to the birth of my son, Gabriel.  My doula was the epitome of encouragement, support in every realm (spiritual, emotional and physical)  and provided me with helpful information.  My doctor and the head nurse were both supportive and enthusiastic about having a doula present at the birth.  I highly recommend using a doula."  -Kelly, Martindale, TX

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Whether you're hoping for a natural birth or not, I recommend every woman have the support of a Doula. Having a Doula helped me accomplish the hard work of childbirth with the confidence and peace necessary to savor the experience. Knowing I was completely cared for by a woman experienced in childbirth, I was able to relax and enjoy my beautiful new baby and the miracle of birth. Women were not meant to have babies alone!" 

Sherlyn Konzelman, VBAC mom

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What is a Monitrice?

During the third trimester of pregnancy, a monitrice educates you and your partner about preparing for labor and delivery, exercises to help stretch and strengthen your key muscles, what should be on hand for a more comfortable labor and possible early signs of labor. You call your monitrice when you think labor is probably beginning. 

Service I provide as your monitrice: 

• I come to your home
• I check maternal vital signs.
• I check fetal heart rate with a fetascope or ultrasonic doppler
• I will perform a vaginal exam for fetal position, presentation, station, effacement, dilation and possible membrane rupture.
• I will observe the progress of your labor.
• I will discuss the need for my presence with you and your partner as your monitrice (professional labor support). If I determine that early labor will probably continue for many hours, you might prefer to get as much rest as you can by yourselves, in which case the I will leave and check on things periodically.
• I will remain present during the more active phases of labor and through delivery.
• I will recommend measures which can help alleviate pain in specific situations.
• I will periodically throughout labor make further fetal and maternal assessments.

Thus, you can determine when it's time to leave for the hospital. You're much less likely to leave prematurely, either to be sent back home or to extend your hospital stay and thereby increase the probability of medical intervention.
The monitrice remains in the labor and delivery room through the early postpartum period.
Thus, monitrice support provides important continuity of care which starts at your home. Most expectant mothers, not just those with a special need, would be better off laboring longer at home.

Salli Gonzalez LM, CPM  

(830) 556-3404 

Services provided in San Antonio, Seguin, New Braunfels, Marion, Schertz, Cibolo, Universal City and surrounding South Texas. 

  salli@empowermentbirthing.com