What
is going on with mom & baby
Baby:
Baby’s crown to rump length is around
26 cm (10.2 inches). Your baby weighs about 1100-1250
grams (2.4-2.75 pounds). Your baby is picking up body
fat and filling out. She is able to partially control
her own body temperature now. Your baby is not ready
to be born yet, but at 28 weeks, babies have an 80%
survival rate.
Mom: You may start seeing your doctor
every two weeks now. You are getting closer to delivering
your baby and will want to be familiar with the signs
of preterm labor. If you notice cramping, a dull backache,
leaking fluids (if you think your water has broken or
is leaking), bleeding or discharge, pelvic pressure
or contractions every ten minutes or less, you should
call your doctor.
This
week’s Pregnancy Checklist
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Keep
all of your scheduled appointments. |
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Purchase
a couple of outfits for your baby. |
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Purchase
a bassinet or playpen for your baby. |
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Contact
and/or interview pediatricians for your baby. |
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Talk
to your doctor about any vacations or travel plans. |
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Take
a new belly picture for your scrapbook or journal. |
The
Benefits of Having a Doula During Childbirth
There
are two types of doulas, birth doulas and postpartum
doulas. A birth doula helps during labor and shortly
after childbirth, whereas, a postpartum doula provides
support to the mom during the first few weeks after
baby’s birth.
What
does a doula do?
Normally,
you will meet with your doula prior to birth and talk
about your plans for labor. Your doula can assist you
on writing a birth plan, deciding what pain relief techniques
you would like to use, and she may also assist with
breastfeeding after the baby is born. A doula will act
as a support person for the mom but also help to involve
the dad in the birth process. She may help you with
breathing techniques, massage, or other pain relief
techniques as well as provide comfort and emotional
support during your labor.
Why
have a doula?
- 50%
reduction of cesarean rate
-
25% shorter labor
-
60% reduction in requests for an epidural
-
40% reduction in the use of oxytocin
-
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Several
studies have shown that women who use the services of
a doula are more likely to have a positive birth experience,
are less likely to need pain medication, and are less
likely to require a cesarean section. Your doula may
help comfort you during labor or help be your voice
when you are having a difficult time communicating during
labor. She may also help you to fulfill your childbirth
goals. If you would like to have a natural labor, a
doula can help you to stay focused on your goals during
labor. Your partner may struggle with seeing you in
pain. Your doula will help take the pressure off of
dad and she may also assist him with things he can do
to help during your labor.
Do
you have to have natural childbirth if you use a doula?
No,
your birth experience is up to you. Talk to your doula
about your feelings. A doula is not intended to dictate
your childbirth experience, but more to help you to
have a positive birth experience. She is there to make
your birth the best experience for you, whether you
decide to have a natural birth, have an epidural, or
just take a “wait and see” approach. She
will be able to help you make decisions during labor
and also offer support to you in the event that you
need intervention or decide that you need medication
for pain relief.
How to Find a Doula?
You can look for a doula in your
area by visiting Doulas
of North America (www.dona.org).
Look for a doula in your area and then schedule a time for you to meet with
her. Most doulas do not charge for an initial interview so this will give you
an opportunity to get to know her and see if she seems like the right person
for you to work with.
Some questions to ask during your
interview:
- Tell me about the training you
have received.
- Are you certified by the Doulas
of North America?
- What is included in your services?
- How much do you charge for your
services?
- How many births have you attended?
- How long have you been a doula?
- Are you available at all times
and what will happen if you are not available when I go into labor?
- What do you think you can do to
make my childbirth experience better?
- Can you provide any references?
Rates for doulas vary from state
to state but you can expect to pay around $200-$600 for a birth doula. Most
insurance companies do not cover doula services so you will need to leave room
in your budget to pay for a doula. Your doula may set up a payment plan for
you so that you can pay for her services in installments prior to the birth
of your baby.
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Newsletter.
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