The Doula Book

More and more parents-to-be all over the world are choosing the comfort and reassuring support of birth with a trained labor companion called a "doula." This warm, authoritative, and irreplaceable guide completely updates the authors' earlier book, Mothering the Mother, and adds much new and important research. In addition to basic advice on finding and working with a doula, the authors show how a doula reduces the need for cesarean section, shortens the length of labor, decreases the pain medication required, and enhances bonding and breast feeding. The authors, world-renowned authorities on childbirth with combined experience of over 100 years working with laboring women, have made their book indispensable to every woman who wants the healthiest, safest, and most joyful possible birth experience.

The complete and essential guide to birth with a doula by the "undisputed experts in the field."--Los Angeles Times

Here is your guide to the fastest-growing trend in childbirth—a tradition as old as motherhood itself. Doulas, or professional labor assistants, have led thousands of expectant women through the birthing process in a way that’s safe and meaningful, and that creates the birth and postbirth experience all mothers long for. What exactly do doulas do? How to find one that suits you. What are the “trade secrets” only doulas know but every woman should be aware of (even if you don’t have a doula)? In The Doula Guide to Birth, senior-level doula Ananda Lowe and award-winning health reporter Rachel Zimmerman have written a most comprehensive book that draws on the wisdom of these skilled experts, whose experience with doctors, midwives, nurses, and hospitals makes them invaluable advocates before, during, and after birth. * Labor techniques anyone can use * Pain medication: do you, don’t you—and when? * What dads and loved ones need and can do best * When should you really go to the hospital in labor? * How to prepare for unexpected medical procedures, including cesareans and epidural * Postpartum—what it’s really like * A clip-out chart of labor techniques, birth plan worksheets, and much more Combining science, wit, warmth, and support, as well as the inspirational stories of dozens of mothers and their partners, you’ll find the “doula viewpoint” on every major pregnancy and delivery issue, making this one of the most important childbirth books you’ll ever read and recommend.

Experienced doula, Linsey Bliss, shows you how to prepare physically and mentally for every element of having a child, from pregnancy to fourth trimester in The Doula's Guide to Empowering Your Birth. Lindsey Bliss, who has assisted as a doula at hundreds of births and is herself a mother of seven, reveals here all the wisdom and advice that doulas share with the new mothers who hire them. The Doula's Guide to Empowering Your Birth covers the period from pregnancy through labor and birth to fourth trimester healing. The focus, however, is on preparing for birth--including topics like how to pick the right childbirth class and the right birthing method. You’ll also see how to assemble the team of professionals, family members, and friends who will support you through labor and birth, and how to approach last-minute decisions about pain medications and cesarean sections. Bliss's tone throughout is at once authoritative and confident as well as warm and encouraging. Her concern in her practice as well as in these pages is to listen to and help secure each new mom's own personal vision of a birthing experience that is safe, fulfilling, and meaningful.

Mamaste meets Mindfulness Cards in this deck focused around meditation, breathwork, and movement specifically for those expecting. Here is the support any mama-to-be needs as she preps for the transition to motherhood. With 78 unique cards filled with thoughtful meditations, movement activities, breathwork exercises, and soothing affirmations, this collection of cards supports expectant mothers through pregnancy, birth, and their new motherhood by nurturing their spirit and talking through their fears. Written by renowned doula Lori Bregman and with soothing artwork accompanying each card, this deck offers expert advice on filling all aspects of pregnancy and birth with comfort and confidence. The Doula Deck is a bridge between mindfulness and motherhood, with support you can keep in your pocket, display on your nightstand, or take with you out into the world. • PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: With a career spanning nearly 20 years, Lori Bregman is a source of wisdom in pregnancy and birth. She runs a complete mind-body-spirit support system that helps women throughout fertility, pregnancy, birth, and new motherhood and has built a thriving career based on her passion for supporting more mindful, healthy, happy mothers and women of all kinds. Now she can help you on your own journey to motherhood, wherever you are. • BABY SHOWER GIFT: With its expert advice on mindfulness during an important life moment, this serves as the ideal gift for anyone who is pregnant. With its luxe package and lovely illustrations, this deck of cards is not only insightful and useful but also gorgeous and gift-worthy. • ELEGANT ART: With gorgeous colors and elegant portrayals of the female body throughout pregnancy and motherhood, these cards offer so much more than just a list of exercises. They’re a visual source of comfort and encouragement as well as a helpful tool. • UNIQUE FORMAT: Not everyone has the opportunity to hire a doula, and this deck offers a unique way for moms-to-be to practice self-care and find additional support during the birth experience by simply pulling a card and completing the activity whenever they need to. Perfect for: • Expectant mothers interested in natural living and doula support • Doulas • Baby shower attendees

When her best friend calls with the exciting news that she is pregnant, Caro packs up her life and leaves home to be the birthing coach.

Doulas and midwives are increasingly popular options for childbirth; this book answers questions for those considering the help of a doula or midwife at birth. Take Control of Your Childbirth Experience New moms are spreading the word to pregnant women just like you: Doulas make pregnancy and childbirth the celebratory experience it is meant to be! Doulas are professionally trained women who provide support before, during, and after delivery. Research has shown that doulas help women have positive birth experiences, decrease the need for pain medication, improve breastfeeding success, and reduce the need for cesarean sections and other invasive procedures. Author Rachel Gurevich interviewed more than 235 women and birth professionals to bring you this best-kept pregnancy secret. Inside, you'll find real mothers' stories and discover how doulas make a joyful difference in childbirth. You'll learn: ·The many ways doulas provide labor support, whether you plan a "natural" or medicated birth · How to find, hire, and choose the right doula ·How specialized doulas can help you before or after the baby's birth ·How doulas help the dad-to-be ·And more! Foreword by Mayer Eisenstein, M.D., medical director, Homefirst Health Services Praise for The Doula Advantage : "Doulas really do make a difference in having a safe and satisfying birth, as you will learn in this book." — William Sears, M.D., coauthor, The Baby Book "Comprehensive, thought-provoking, and highly moving. . . . A must read for any woman thinking of using the services of a doula." — Ann Douglas, author, The Mother of All Pregnancy Books and The Mother of All Baby Books

The true power of doulas is to serve clients so that they are encouraged to become more empowered and authentic versions of themselves. The wisdom culled from over sixty birth doulas in Dr. Gilliland's landmark research study will transform your relationship with clients and medical careproviders alike. The Heart of the Doula delves into the reality of birth doula work in North American hospitals and the personal price many pay to fill this important and beneficial role.