"Today Show" Features Doulas - Help For Expectant, New Mothers Is National Trend

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 22, 2008

This morning, the Today Show explored a growing national trend among pregnant women and new mothers: the hiring of a "doula." Debbie Aglietti, a New York doula and member of DONA International was interviewed about her work as a doula in the New York area.

"As more and more women see the advantages of using doulas, I suspect the term 'doula' will become more of a household word," said Debbie Young, DONA International President. DONA International is the oldest and largest doula organization. "In fact, last week Oprah Winfrey guest, Nicole Kidman made mention of the assistance she received from a doula in the birth of her daughter, Sunday Rose."

Doulas provide non-medical care for pregnant women and/or new mothers and families. The term "doula" actually comes from the Greek word for a woman who serves.

"Doulas work as a team with physicians and midwives in hospitals and in home births. A birth doula is a professional labor support person who accompanies women in labor to provide emotional support, physical comfort, and information to help clients feel fully informed. Birth doulas can provide reassurance and perspective and help with relaxation, comforting touch and positioning. Birth doulas also facilitate communication between the woman, her partner and her caregivers," Young said. "A postpartum doula is trained to help new mothers in the early weeks with their new baby. From help with breastfeeding, education on newborn care, running errands, nighttime support, and anything else a new family needs help with, parents find the additional assistance invaluable." Young is one of more than 6,500 DONA International member doulas.

Despite Dr. Snyderman's Today Show statement that doulas are a luxury, doulas assist women and families from all socioeconomic levels. In some cases Medicaid covers their work. In other cases, community volunteers offer doula services for low-income families for free. Some families find their doulas because their hospital offers their services for free or at low-cost. In Illinois, the state government pays for doula services under their "Ounce of Prevention" program. Other programs, such as Chicago Doula Project and PALS in Philadelphia offer doulas for low-income mothers. Currently, doula services are not covered by most health insurance providers, but DONA International is working to change that.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth:

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• increases positive feelings about one's childbirth experience
• reduces the need for Pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Young is available to interview about how postpartum and birth doulas assist new mothers, pregnant women and overwhelmed spouses. She can discuss the types of tasks doulas do. Tasks could include:

• putting on music and assisting the birthing mother into a more comfortable position
• helping a new mother with techniques for easier breastfeeding
• offering guidance to make the first bath at home go smoothly

She could also discuss how interested families can find a doula that is right for them.

"With any kind of service provider, whether it's a nanny, doula, midwife or OBGYN, it is important to get references, ask questions and make sure you are comfortable with that practitioner and their experience," Young added.

To schedule an interview with Young, please contact me at (720) 488-1116 or sheryl@thesolutionpr.com. Thank you in advance for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

About DONA International
DONA International is the oldest and largest doula association in the world with over 2,340 certified birth doulas and 230 postpartum doulas and nearly 6,500 members. This international, non-profit organization supports doulas by providing quality training and meaningful certification.

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