Doula Styles
Medical Skills
For each question, rate your doula as 0 (never), 1 (sometimes) or 2(always).
| This doula performs vaginal exams: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula reads the electrical fetal monitor tape: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula provides herbs or medicines: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula will diagnose problems during labor: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula will recomend treatments: | 0 1 2 |
Now add up your answers.
You should have a number between 0 and 10. This is your Medical Skill Level.
Level of Leading
For each question, rate your doula as 0 (never), 1 (sometimes) or 2(always).
| This doula will recomend a positions and comfort measures to use: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula will speak to the staff for me: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula will talk me out of or into medications and procedures: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula will lead me through relaxation exercies: | 0 1 2 |
| This doula will act as my main support person: | 0 1 2 |
Now add up your answers.
You should have a number between 0 and 10. This is your Leading Level.
Score Your Doulas
Find where your doula fits on the chart by finding her medical level on the left side, and her leading level on the bottom. The two lines should intersect somewhere on the grid.
Now you should have a visual way to compare the doulas you interview. Here are some general observations about doulas that fit into the categories.
Green: These doulas have a very highly developed medical skill, and prefer to follow the mother's lead rather than directing her labor. Such doulas may feel their value is in being able to explain options to help you understand what is happening. This type of doula can be very reassuring that everything is progressing normally, while allowing you freedom to labor how you choose.
Blue: These doulas have a very highly developed medical skill, and prefer to direct the mother's laboring. Such a doula may be a nurse or have had advanced doula training. This type of doula can be very helpful for a woman who is highly excitable and needs the reassurance that everything is normal or finds following directions to be comforting.
Yellow: These doulas prefer to give non-medical support, and will direct the mother's laboring. Such a doula may be highly concerned with your ability to labor according to your birth plan. This type of doula can be reassuring to a mother who is concerned that she may need extra support to labor without medication or to prevent a second ceasarean.
Pink: These doulas prefer to give non-medical support, encouraging and reassuring the mother that she is handling labor well. Such a doula may be highly concerned that the mother feel in control during her labor. This type of doula can be reassuring to a mother who wants extra help remembering what comfort measures may be useful, and how to use them.
You May Also Be Interested In:The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about pregnancy and locate childbirth professionals. Choosing your midwife is one of the most important decisions you will make. The Birth Challenges section shares ways to overcome common labor challenges. The Coach's Notebook shares ways to use common positions and comfort measures for labor. Nutrition at Birthing Naturally gives you information to ensure you are eating healthy for two. |
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© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally
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