I have been approached by a mother who is interested in having a doula for her birth. She has explained to me that she has Marfan Syndrome... Does anyone here knows what this disorder is and how it could effect the labor/birthing process. What I have read so far about concerns me just a little.
I'm not familiar with it at all, but found the website for The National Marfan Foundation. Unfortunately, I can't post the link because I just joined this site, but I'm sure you'll be able to find it fairly easy. It's marfan.org They have lots of info on specific body systems and how they can be affected. Under the main heading "Living with Marfan Syndrome", there's a catagory "Pregnancy and Reproduction". It sounds like the risks vary largely with what areas of the body are affected. Plus, it's a hereditary condition so the couple is, of course, taking a chance that the baby will have it.
I'd say do some research and invite the woman to be candid about what parts of her body are affected and how she expects labor to affect her.
Blessings, Jen
This Member Says "Thanks!" to wildrose For This Post:
I don't know a lot but it does run in my family (we're clear in our house). It can be particularly hard on the heart- which I would think would make labor potentially more complicated as well. I'm sure the mom has a good understanding of her illness and how it affects her- it's relatively rare and I'm sure she doesn't expect you to know a lot about it so why not ask her some questions and ask her to share with you what she's most worried about?
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Tracy Chatters, Doula Love, Honor and Strength in Birth
My nephew has Marfan's and my sister is a carrier. She is currently pregnant with her third child-as far as birth is concerned, I'm thinking the biggest issue would be strain on the heart as any strenuous activity is strongly discouraged as there is a risk of aortic dissection (the heart the main artery bulges and splits-which is fatal)
If anything there would be some restrictions with pushing. Any prolonged breath holding/forceful bearing down could be an issue. HOwever,some people have more external characteristics than internal, and if that is her case than she may not have any physical restrictions. Generally speaking, by this age she's already be aware of any heart issues and be on medication or have had surgeries as for it, if this were the case she probably wouldn't be having a vaginal birth.
Physically, most people with Marfan's are tall, very lean and have difficulty gaining weight-you might want to ask if there's any concern about baby's size. They are also at risk of retinal detachment (which also makes breath holding/forceful pushing not such a good idea).
Good luck!
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This Member Says "Thanks!" to JerseyJess For This Post:
I am not familiar with this disorder, however, after reading the posts concerning it I'd like to make a suggestion.
Sounds to me that forced, directed pushing should be avoided entirely. 'Laboring Down' sounds like the best plan for a vaginal birth. (No early pushing, mom waits till the uterus moves baby all the way down before she pushes) And only pushing w/her urges in an upright (hopefully) position. Penny Simkin talked about it on one of my DONA tapes. Actually it would probably be best for most births! Best wishes!
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B'earth Angel the absentee doula "He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetuate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."
~ Martin Luther King
This Member Says "Thanks!" to b'earth angel For This Post:
Although, I see a few responses to this thread what you all have shared have been so helpful... I just received an email from my prospective client and we are scheduling to meet soon. I thank you all. This is soooo great Alldoulas. I don't know what I would do with out such an outlit like this.
Best wishes!
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