Session Title: The Attachment Needs of Laboring Mothers
Description: Doula support practices of mothers during labor and birth are complex processes that involve attachment behaviors, therapeutic strategies, and communication skills. Similar to the infant relying on a primary caregiver as an attachment figure, the mother relies on the doula as a secure base during labor. In both situations the doula and caregiver are available for assistance; can accurately perceive her emotional needs; effectively represent her interests; are strong and capable physically and emotionally; and have resources that the mother or infant does not possess. Additionally, the rhythm and ritual of labor support set the stage for attunement between doula and mother, similar to the attunement process between mother and infant outlined by Daniel Stern.
This research is significant since it provides a strong theoretical basis why doulas are effective; namely that they provide a focus for attachment behavior and provide a secure base for the laboring mother. The doula as a secure base theory also offers a well developed explanation why nurses have been shown to be less effective than doulas in obtaining the same outcomes. Except in unusual situations, nurses and fathers are unable to fulfill many of these attachment functions for mothers. With further development, this may become the fundamental theory of doula support.
Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
| 1. |
Explain why
the doula is a focus for the mother's attachment behavior
and how the doula is uniquely situated to meet a laboring
mother's attachment needs. |
| 2. |
Describe the five functions of a secure base during labor. |
| 3. |
Illustrate what attunement is and how the doula and mother work together to create this unique state of consciousness. |
Session Title: Emotional Support Strategies Utilized by Doulas
Description: Emotional support is considered
the key activity of doula work, something that is innate and any woman can do. This research based presentation
shatters the myth of emotional support being simple. Rather,
experienced doulas go through a series of complex decision making
processes to individualize support for different laboring mothers.
These abilities are sophisticated and must be continuously applied
throughout labor. This presentation outlines ten basic strategies
used by doulas and six implementation strategies, comparing
and contrasting them with ones utilized by nurses and by therapists.
Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
| 1. |
List four basic emotional support strategies employed by doulas, nurses, and fathers. |
| 2. |
Describe five implementation strategies used by experienced doulas in deciding how to best assist mothers emotionally. |
| 3. |
Explain why pregnant mothers wish to have a doula rather than their own mother present to provide emotional support. |
Session Title: Growth and Development of Doulas
Description: This session outlines the emerging research on the process of growth as a doula from novice to expert. There are predictable joys, crises and challenges as doulas emerge from one stage to the next. Understanding this process will help us to mentor newer doulas, and to see certain challenges as normal rather than isolating and insurmountable. Utilizing the experiences of participants and current research on doula care, this interactive session will help individual doulas to discover their own stage. Doulas will hopefully emerge with a deeper understanding, sense of accomplishment, and an inspiration to continue in their chosen profession.
Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
| 1. |
Outline the process of growth as a doula from novice to expert. |
| 2. |
Explain why doulas leave the profession at the advanced beginner stage. |
| List two of the predictable challenges of growth from one stage to the next. |
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