ind. research

works cited

• http://www.lamaze.org/

This is a website that describes Lamaze.  It is an educational program that assists parents who seek to have a natural and healthy approach to child birth. Using the Lamaze approach often leads to reduced medical interventions and more support for the woman- either being assisted by family members, doulas or midwives.

• Gaskin May, Ina. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. New York: Bantam Dell, 2003. Print.

Chapter 2: This chapter looks into the process of labor. It explores how the uterus, placenta and umbilical cord function during intrauterine life.  It also describes how the baby is affected during the labor process.

• http://www.birthfocus.com/birthFocus/what.cfm- what is a doula?

This website explains what a doula is.  The word doula is Greek in origin and refers to someone who actively assists the mother during child labor. Not only does the Doula provide support to empower the woman but they also aim to involve the partner, if there is one. Doula's help provide "objective" information while also helping in decision making. They also facilitate communication between the mother and doctor or midwife.  This might pertain to a physical condition or an emotional state. Doula's attempt to make childbirth as comfortable as stress-free as they can for the woman and partner.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvmB96cRnaU

This video provides the perspectives of woman who had a doula present during childbirth.  In the video she describes the doulas as necessary and reassuring. The women, midwife and doctor interviewed felt positively about doulas.  Everyone interviewed seemed to understand that the presence of a doula often led to the woman experiencing greater confidence during childbirth.

• http://www.childbirthinternational.com/birth_doula/syllabus.htm & http://www.birthinggently.com/doula_training.html

I checked out this website because I am interested in learning how to become a doula.  Through this three day course (birthing gently) I will learn the basic skills of being a doula which includes understanding the female anatomy and physiology of pregnancy. I will come to a better understanding of the dynamics of labor and birth. I will also understand how to be a soothing, nurturing assistance and provide emotional support.

Recently my father and step mother broke the news and told me that Allyson, my step mom was pregnant. A little while after I got used to the idea, I realized that this birth unit would be a great tool for me to have an understanding of what pregnancy and child birth is about. After learning so much about birth from the "Business of Being Born," the book "Baby Catcher" and what we've discussed in the classroom, I have taken interest in becoming a doula, or at least getting a sense of what that job entails. I would prefer to be actively involved in Allyson's birth experience rather than a passive by stander. This course and the books I've read has impressed upon me how awesome and incredible the birthing experience is and I would welcome the opportunity to participate in an actual birth. I conducted this research so that when I take the three day "doula training" course, I can be better prepared for what is to come.