Doula support for homebirth

~Tranquility~Doula · 10-06-2005, 02:51 PM

I have a client that is having a homebirth next month and I will be doing my first prenatal with her next week (my 1st homebirth!

). What types of things do you go over at visits with homebirth moms? A lot of my time is usually taken up talking about interventions, etc. at a prenatal for hospital birthing and even birth center birthing moms. I guess I should just really focus on comfort measures and get to know the parents, huh?

Any ideas would be very helpful!

Handmaiden · 10-07-2005, 08:45 AM

I always make sure to review the transport plan, just in case. It is important to know how to park the cars so that a transport car is not blocked in, where are the directions to the hospital posted, who will drive, etc. It may seem negative to talk about these things, but after you accompany your first mother during a transport, you will be glad you had a plan.

During this visit, I try to get the mother to walk me through the house and visualize where she will be during labor, perhaps doing some practice contractions at this time so that I can see how comfortable she is with my touch.

I also make sure the birth box is assembled and offer to pick up any items they have not yet gotten ready.

I take the time during the prenatal to really get to know the mother, talk about any fears she may have and offer encouragement.

Enjoy your first home birth!

Desiree O'Clair
Handmaiden Birth Services

~Tranquility~Doula · 10-07-2005, 02:45 PM

Thanks so much for the advice, Desiree! I completely forgot about having her show me around the house so I know where things are, etc.

minmoto2 · 11-21-2005, 03:08 AM

I am wondering because my friend/1st client is planning a free standing birth center birth w/a midwife. I am not sure that epidurals or pain meds would even be a consideration unless she were transferred.

Well, maybe I just answered my own question?

i.e. if she were xferred she would prefer x, y, z..?

Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks ladies!

Mindy

tlcdoula · 11-21-2005, 09:36 AM

In all honesty I have not had a homebirth mother create a birth plan. I think the main reason for this is that the midwife knows the mother so well and she truly knows the mother's wishes and desires.

1stimestar · 11-21-2005, 10:35 AM

Even with a homebirth, a birth plan can come in handy. Mine is on my homebirth story page if you want to read it.

http://www.angelfire.com/realm2/1sti...irthstory.html

minmoto2 · 11-22-2005, 01:17 AM

Great thanks! I will check it out.

mindy

minmoto2 · 11-22-2005, 01:29 AM

I just read ur homebirth plan Georganne, thank you so much for posting the link! I think I have a better perspective on how birth plans can be tailored to the setting. thanks!!

Mindy

1stimestar · 11-22-2005, 10:32 AM

You're welcome. Glad it helped.

susan1 · 01-31-2006, 05:07 PM

Hi,

I need advise. I am meeting a mom tomorrow who is planning a home birth. My problem is this mom knows what a doula is. So what am I going to talk about? All the moms I have been interviewed do not know a doula is so I talk about what a doula is.... etc... So can anyone give me advice? On what I should talk about?

The mom already has a favorite doula but she can't get a hold of and anyhow she like a second person their even if she does. So how can I make myself look like I know what I am doing? I really would like to attend a home birth...so I don't want to blow my chance.

Susan

Kim Trower · 01-31-2006, 07:53 PM

The meeting is not only to educate on what a doula does, I would think most people calling have an idea or they wouldn't be calling in the first place. This meeting is to see if personalities match, is she comfortable with you and vice versa. Just let the conversation flow. Let her ask the questions, and then just answer. On occasion I have showed up and the couple has been blank...no questions, nothing. Which drives me crazy...why would you call me if you didn't have anything to ask me. Anyway, so know I suggest they review DONA's site or others that suggest some questions. If I am at the interview and haven't told them this then you have to improvise and just talk about yourself.
How you got into it? Why you like it? What's your philosophy? Basically answering those questions without being asked, kwim?
I am sure it will flow just fine..

tlcdoula · 01-31-2006, 10:07 PM

I think it is also good for the two of you to discuss what it is you offer. Remember not all doulas offer the exact same services. If this mom had a doula before I would ask her what she liked about that doula? What the doula did specifically to help her through her last labor? Stuff like that - so that you can see if you can provide what she is looking for.

In all honesty I have never met with anyone and explained what a doula is because my assumption is that if they are calling me they already know what a doula is and are looking for doula services.

I usually go over the services I provide and also ask them what they are looking for and then I let the conversation flow from there.

susan1 · 02-01-2006, 12:16 AM

Well I guess I should say they (moms) know what a doula is and does but not in great detail. So I explain the things a doula can do and cannot do.

Susan

Gentlebirthmama · 02-01-2006, 12:14 PM

Whether or not a woman knows what a doula is and/or does, to me the first meeting is about much more. It's about building a relationship as much as possible in such a short time.

During this meeting I would just talk with her hearing why she wants a doula, what her expectations are for her birth, explain your training/experience, what you generally do at a birth, maybe show her your birth bag if you carry one and what you carry in it, when you want her to call you, how long you stay with her after the birth, if you do a postpartum visit. If she does hire you then you can plan another visit and do some relaxation techniques with her, maybe use a birthing ball, and do a foot massage at that time too. This will help her connect with you and get her used to your touch as well.

I would keep it simple, not worrying about being really formal. She needs to see the real you, so just visit with her and get to know each other.

Blessings!
Amy

MothertheMother · 02-01-2006, 12:45 PM

Since I have so much experience with this (hahaha) I thought I would add. With my first visit with my client I just chatted for awhile etc like others have said just to get familiar. I also took a copy of my contract and went over it line by line. I sent it home with her (I didn't get to meet hubby that time) and basically told her that if she decided to hire me we would sign the contract, take care of deposit etc at the next prenatal. This way she would have time to go over it with her husband as well. In my contract I do have it spelled out what a doula does not do. I spell out what services I provide i.e. # of visits, phone contact all that stuff. I have a section on "obligations as clients" that lists things I expect from them such as educating themselves, ensuring that I will be able to attend their birth, informing me of any complications etc. Plus a section on "failure to provide services" their fault or my fault. I liked being able to spell out right away what they can expect from me. Plus I feel like them understanding my policy on refunds/c-sect/etc may be part of their decision process. I know I have sat down to sign a contract, already having made my decision (whatever it was about) and felt uncomfortable because I hadn't been told something before that time. I hate that "on the spot" feeling.

Good luck!!