massagejunkie's Journal

 In case you don't know what a doula is

A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical and informational support to the woman who is expecting, in labor or has recently given birth. The doula's role is to help women have a safe, memorable and empowering birthing experience.

studies have shown that having a doula as part of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40% and the request for an epidural by 60%2.

Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John Kennell, massage helps stimulate the production of natural oxytocin. The pituitary gland secretes natural oxytocin to the bloodstream which causes uterine contractions and also secretes it to the brain, which results in a feeling of well being, drowsiness and a raised pain threshold. Synthetic IV oxytocin cannot cross into the blood stream and brain, so it increases contractions without the positive psychological effects of natural oxytocin.

I am very excited about learning how to do this.I will still have to take a state board exam and get 15 hours of hands on during active labor.I have a client who is due in two weeks so she may be my first experience.

It may also be my first step toward getting out of the company I work for.Eveybody is jumping ship.We only have 2 of us left who opened this business.I am going to ask for a raise since I have stuck it out.I also think I am going to take the week vaction they owe me.

i have a very one track mind right now.it seems to be  work work work

if i don't get off here i will be late for work