Doulas and Midwives Focus on the mom H
aving a baby creates a whole list of decisions to make. Among some of the biggies include, of course, where do you deliver? Who will be your OB/GYN? Choosing names and all that. New mothers also have the option of choosing to have an extra helper in the room, who is not the husband, partner, or significant other, someone who is totally focused on the mother. Or they can opt for a medical professional that will do their best to make the labor as natural as you want it. Donna Bruschi is an interna- tional board-certified lactation consulstant and owner of New Baby, New Paltz. She’s been advising new moms for over 13 years, and we asked her for a peek into the duties of doulas and midwives.
Doulas are trained professionals
Doulas are trained professionals, whose sole purpose is to care for the mom during the labor experience, and in some cases, during after birth. They are also, as Lactation Consultant, Donna Bruschi explains, “advocates for the mom, providing comfort, massage, making sure mom eats, and continues to breathe correctly. They will be there for whatever the mom wants or needs.” After birth, doulas check in with the new mom, see how she’s doing emotionally, look for problems with the mother, baby and with breastfeeding. “Some doulas,” says Bruschi, “go for additional training to be a lactation consultant.” A doula usually gets a “per birth” fee of anywhere between
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$900 and $1500 for a doula package. Asked “why would a mom want to pay extra for help in the labor room when there are other experts around?,” Bruschi replied, “When a mom is in labor, and has a definite birth plan, the doula will be the advocate to try to make sure the mom’s desires are met. If the doctor or nurse suggests a medical intervention, the doula can explain it to the mom to be and help her make the decision. Medical personnel come in and out of the room, tending to other patients and duties, and the doula is a constant companion for the mom.”
Bruschi advises moms who may be interested in a doula to start
2012 Baby Guide
Doulas are advocates for the mom, providing comfort, massage, making sure mom
breathes... DONNA BRUSCHI
International board-certified lactation consultant and owner of New Baby, New Paltz
meeting prospective ones around mid-term of the pregnancy, so that by the 7th or 8th month, the doula is in place and the relationship and bonding can begin.
Midwives are medically licensed to perform childbirth
A midwife is a medical profes- sional who is licensed to perform childbirth, well-baby and well- mom visits. They are usually part of an OB/GYN office, Bruschi says, and may already be seeing the mom during regular checkups. They can attend home or hospital births, and can see the mom and baby after birth. While they are focused on a natural birth outcome they will request medical intervention if the need arises. They cannot perform C-sections, but can check dilation, perform episiotomies, and prescribe drugs. Since they are licensed as a CNM, or Certified Nurse Midwife, they are on staff in most Hudson Valley hospitals. However, because of insurance issues, doulas may not be welcome in all hospitals. Bruschi advises prospective new parents who may want to have a doula during labor to discuss this with your OB/GYN or midwife and hospital representative as soon as possible.
One mom’s experience with a midwife
As provided by Gizella DeVenee from Saugerties
“A little background, I have been going to Rhinebeck Women’s health since I was 16. The first person I ever saw there was Margi Reither, CNM. I have known her
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