
“Evidence-based care” has become a catchphrase implying high-quality care based on scientific facts. Sounds great, but what does it really mean? And what do I mean when I say that I provide evidence-based doula care, childbirth education, and breastfeeding support? “High-quality” care requires much more than an evidence-based approach, but that is a topic for another time.
Quite simply, the information I provide and the techniques I teach are based on proven, scientific research. This means that if I make statement, I can normally back it up by published, peer-reviewed literature (if desired). However, most often the references that I provide to my clients are in the form of short articles or handouts that are clear and easy to understand. These have been created by either me personally, based on my own up-to-date research, or have been authored by a well-respected organization that I know provides current and accurate information.
As a doula, I discuss and talk-through options on a personal basis with my clients. I serve as a personal guide to help navigate through this time of change, uncertainty, and vulnerability. I care deeply about empowering expectant parents to:
To provide you with examples of just a few of the topics that I discuss with my clients, here are the titles of a few of the handouts that I provide during prenatal visits: Stages of Labor, Pros and Cons of Methods for Induction, Comfort Measures for Labor, Pain Management for Labor (medical and non-medical), and 5 Keys to Successful Breastfeeding.
As with many things in life, the world of maternity health care is filled with uncertainty. There is a lack of verified, concrete information available about many common pregnancy/birth topics, e.g. the use of certain herbs during pregnancy, or the risks/benefits of consuming the placenta after birth. In these cases, I can offer what little information is available. I will always specify what appears to be scientifically verified and what is common/historical belief. I always encourage my clients to discuss questions with their medical providers. Again, I do not provide medical advice. My goal is not to provide answers, but rather to offer options and information, enabling easier decision-making and communication.
On that note, providing evidence-based care does NOT in any way mean that I do not support choices that do not appear “evidence-based.” This would be rather hypocritical. In fact, I think there is sufficient “evidence” to support that what might work for one person may clearly not work for another, even if all other factors appear equal. Each laboring person has the right to decide what makes the most sense for them, whether it be an unmedicated birth, water birth, epidural birth, eating the placenta, not eating the placenta, using herbs, using acupuncture, planned c-section, elective induction, vaginal birth after cesarean, home birth, you name it. I trust my clients to make the decision that is right for them and their families.
Quite simply, the information I provide and the techniques I teach are based on proven, scientific research. This means that if I make statement, I can normally back it up by published, peer-reviewed literature (if desired). However, most often the references that I provide to my clients are in the form of short articles or handouts that are clear and easy to understand. These have been created by either me personally, based on my own up-to-date research, or have been authored by a well-respected organization that I know provides current and accurate information.
As a doula, I discuss and talk-through options on a personal basis with my clients. I serve as a personal guide to help navigate through this time of change, uncertainty, and vulnerability. I care deeply about empowering expectant parents to:
- A) Feel confident in making their own informed decisions, and
- B) Trust in their own abilities to manage the journey ahead, whatever that entails – pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, newborn care, and onward.
To provide you with examples of just a few of the topics that I discuss with my clients, here are the titles of a few of the handouts that I provide during prenatal visits: Stages of Labor, Pros and Cons of Methods for Induction, Comfort Measures for Labor, Pain Management for Labor (medical and non-medical), and 5 Keys to Successful Breastfeeding.
As with many things in life, the world of maternity health care is filled with uncertainty. There is a lack of verified, concrete information available about many common pregnancy/birth topics, e.g. the use of certain herbs during pregnancy, or the risks/benefits of consuming the placenta after birth. In these cases, I can offer what little information is available. I will always specify what appears to be scientifically verified and what is common/historical belief. I always encourage my clients to discuss questions with their medical providers. Again, I do not provide medical advice. My goal is not to provide answers, but rather to offer options and information, enabling easier decision-making and communication.
On that note, providing evidence-based care does NOT in any way mean that I do not support choices that do not appear “evidence-based.” This would be rather hypocritical. In fact, I think there is sufficient “evidence” to support that what might work for one person may clearly not work for another, even if all other factors appear equal. Each laboring person has the right to decide what makes the most sense for them, whether it be an unmedicated birth, water birth, epidural birth, eating the placenta, not eating the placenta, using herbs, using acupuncture, planned c-section, elective induction, vaginal birth after cesarean, home birth, you name it. I trust my clients to make the decision that is right for them and their families.