Doulas emerge more in Summit
By KIMBERLY NICOLETTI, summit daily news
July 23, 2005
FRISCO - Imagine giving birth alone.
Then, imagine giving birth and having a experienced woman there to support you and attend to your needs throughout the entire process.
Now you know the value of doulas, or professionals who support women through pregnancy and delivery, and their services are expanding in Summit County.
Sandi Schuessler, a registered nurse at Nurse Family Partnership in Summit County, met with a local doula last week to work with one of her first-time moms. Though the client predominantly speaks Spanish, she knows enough English to work with a doula. Schuessler hopes to recommend doulas for other clients and even translate when necessary.
The partnership works with 100 limited income, first-time mothers throughout four counties, under its umbrella agency Summit County Public Health Nursing. At the partnership's next team meeting, a doula will educate nurses about their services.
In general, doulas act as advocates. They understand and trust the process of birth and take a holistic approach to empower women. They stay with the mother continually during delivery, using massage, acupressure and emotional support to ease women.
"They can help women relax and conserve energy," Schuessler said.
Many doulas charge $300-$800 per birth, but Laurie Simpkins, a local doula, is working with Nurse Family Partnership to offer lower fees for its clients.
SOURCE:
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/2...NEWS/107230038
Doulas emerge more in Summit
