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The Pocket Doula
By Christine Wallace - CMA, LMP, CCCE, CLD
Owner & Director
Gracewinds Perinatal Services
Introduction
This booklet is designed as a tool for labor partners. Its purpose is to emphasize key facts and helpful solutions for labor situations at a glance, and make it easier to be the "support person" for a laboring mom.
The concept derived from a childbirth educator who is also a practicing doula. (A doula is a professional labor support person.)
Former class members and clients related that the valuable information from classes, books and videos they had absorbed was hard to remember once the excitement of labor commenced, and partners were frustrated at times in their attempts to provide a variety of comfort options.
The Pocket Doula does not attempt to cover the specific protocols unique to each region and hospital or home birth, rather it covers the basic need-to-know facts of how to negotiate a typical labor experience. (Including a section on variations and interventions for quick reference.)
Table of Contents
Section 1: Are we in labor?
- Preterm labor
- Possible signs of labor
- Early signs of labor
- Definite signs of labor
- What to pack
Section 2: Overiview of labor
- Overview of labor
- Effacement and dilation
- Descent and delivery
- Post-partum recovery
Section 3: Stage 1; Early
- What to look for
- Techniques to cope
Section 4: Stage 1; Active
- What to look for
- Techniques to cope
Section 5: Stage 1; Transition
- What to look for
- Techniques to cope
Section 6: Stage 2; Pushing
- What to look for
- Techniques to cope
Section 7: Stage 3; Recovery/post-partum
- What to look for
Section 8: Troubleshooting
- Back labor
- Labor that slows down
- Rapid labor/birth without assistance
Section 9: Interventions
- Internal fetal monitor
- Pitocin/induction
- Internal catheter monitor
- Artificial rupture of membranes
- Vacuum extraction
- Forceps
- Episiotomy
- Cesarean section
Section 10: Quick Reference
Section 11; Baby's Information
Sample Photos
The following photos from the book are only a small sample of the numerous coping techniques illustrated for each stage of labor.
Above: Birth Ball Lean
Above: Dangle
Above: Heat Pack
Above: Slow Dance With Compression
Above: Partner Supported Semi-Recline
Pocket Doula Ordering Information
To order single copies online: Please click below to purchase a copy online using your credit card (secure payment via PayPal).
To order by mail: Please mail a check or money order for $11.99 (plus $3 shipping and handling) to:
Gracewinds Pocket Doula
P.O. Box 30881
Seattle, WA 98113
Allow 1 week for shipping.
Bulk orders: Discounts given for bulk orders. Childbirth educators and providers, please call for bulk pricing and ordering information - (206) 781-9871 or toll free at (866) 781-9871.
Educator's Package
For Educators Only! Gracewinds also offers a package of supplemental information specifically designed for childbirth educators who use The Pocket Doula as an instructional tool. The following materials are included:
- A pamphlet of teaching tips for classroom use with The Pocket Doula.
- Ten 8" X 10" laminated color photographs of different coping techniques.
- Ten discussion topics for the mother. Each is printed on a separate postcard.
- Ten discussion topics for the partner. Each is printed on a separate postcard.
Above: Teaching tips pamphlet
Above: 8"X10" Laminated photos
Above: Discussion topics for mom and partner
To order single packages online: Please click below to purchase an educator's package online using your credit card (secure payment via PayPal). The cost is $21.50 per package (plus $5 shipping and handling).
To order by mail: Please mail a check or money order for $21.50 (plus $5 shipping and handling) to:
Gracewinds PD Educator's Package
P.O. Box 30881
Seattle, WA 98113
Allow 1 week for shipping.
Bulk orders: Discounts given for bulk orders. Childbirth educators and providers, please call for bulk pricing and ordering information - (206) 781-9871 or toll free at (866) 781-9871.
Articles and Reviews
The Journal of Perinatal Education, v. 14(1) Winter 2005
Northwest Baby and Child Online
