tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14517058051558553752024-03-13T08:49:59.570-07:00UWMC Doula CareUWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-36837281945598260312017-01-07T11:57:00.002-08:002017-01-07T11:57:28.255-08:00IMPORTANT UPDATEWe are sorry to announce that the UW doula program is currently on hold indefinitely.<br />
If you are pregnant and looking for a doula, we suggest the following resources:<br />
<a href="http://www.openarmsps.org/programs/for-families/">Open Arms Perinatal Services</a><br />
<a href="https://palsdoulas.org/find-a-doula/">PALS doulas</a><br />
<a href="https://doulamatch.net/search">DoulaMatch</a><br />
<a href="https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/find-a-doula/">DONA International Doula database</a> (find a doula in your zipcode that is DONA certified)<br />
<br />
If you are a doula looking to volunteer, we suggest:<br />
<a href="http://www.openarmsps.org/programs/for-doulas/">Open Arms Perinatal Services</a><br />
<br />
Wishing everyone the best in the new year!UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-81092020347998327362016-01-12T14:17:00.000-08:002016-01-12T14:17:24.152-08:00New Year, Renewed Program<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
When we met with Gigi (Nurse Manager of the Maternity and Infant Center and Perinatal Services) to discuss the program and our positions as coordinators in August, w<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">e were made aware that UWMC volunteer services and the labor and delivery staff would like to see some changes in the structure of our program. </span><b style="font-size: 12.8px;">Therefore, our program was temporarily suspended while we spent the last few months working out what we hope will be a mutually beneficial and pleasing structure. </b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
We are building upon the program's original purpose and mission;<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Much work has already been done for us by the original creators of the program and all the volunteers and doulas who came before. Much of the change is about increasing communication with our partners and supporters in the hospital. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Practically, the new structure expects more regularly scheduled shifts for volunteers along with care teams- small groups of doulas who share being on-call for one particular client. </span></div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-23451566873993150682015-08-18T13:08:00.003-07:002015-08-18T13:08:24.399-07:00A Time of Transition- New Coordinators<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello and welcome to the UWMC Doula Care website and blog! It has been a few years since this page has been updated, and we want to assure you that this program is still in existence. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The UWMC Doula Care program is going through an exciting transition at this time with a change in coordinators. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we are excited to take over as coordinators, w</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666666666667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">e are saddened to see the program coordinators of the last few years leave us to move on in their own journeys. We are humbled by their </span><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">example and dedication to women and families and to making doula support available to everyone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we take over coordinating, we plan on continuing that dedication. There will be no changes to the core mission of UWMC Doula Care or it's general structure. We are planning some changes however, such as a revitalization of this website and of social media, more publicity and finding ways for our doulas to be more engaged with the program and with each other to build a community rather than a loose network of volunteers. We definitely would encourage feedback and suggestions! Email to: uwdoulas@gmail.com, or comment below.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;">With all that said, you might be wondering, who is this "we"? So here is a little about us individually: (For information about UWMC Doula Care check out the "<a href="http://uwdoulas.blogspot.com/p/through-our-doulas-eyes.html" target="_blank">Program Overview</a>" page)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.2399997711182px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Klarissa-</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been a doula volunteering with UWMC for about a year. I recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, in which I did an Honors thesis on the professionalization of doulas. I plan to go on to nursing and eventually to become a nurse-practitioner in midwifery and family practice. I enjoy spending time in nature, doing yoga and reading. I’m expecting my first little one this Nov/Dec. </span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-c339f08a-28b6-9c55-26fe-77bd4a2bf04b" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sarah-</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I graduated in 2013 from SU with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Currently I am in the accelerated nursing program at UW. I also plan on becoming a nurse practitioner for midwifery. I play roller derby and also enjoy swimming and cooking. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kally-</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I moved from Southern California to Seattle in September of 2014. I began volunteering with UWMC's Doula Program soon after moving. I value the program deeply for its ability to support families from all walks of life while providing doulas of all experience levels with opportunities to learn and grow. By day, I work at Swedish Ballard Primary Care Clinic and teach Yoga at Vertical World Climbing Gym. I also enjoys running, camping, exploring, drinking deep cups of tea, and eating huge bowls of veggies.</span></div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-69895324366755284772013-01-04T10:17:00.000-08:002013-01-04T10:17:26.637-08:00A story from a UWMC Doula<style>
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When I arrived, mom was dilated to 5cm, coping well, resting
between contractions, and using breathing exercises. Her contractions remained
between 4 and 7 minutes apart for several hours, without any cervical change. Mom
spent some time in the tub, and then she was started on a low dose of Pitocin.
We decided to try to get mom up and moving around, and did one lap of the
L&D floor, with mom pausing for contractions with support from dad and me.
Mom vocalized during contractions, drawing a few doctors and nurses into the
hall to see what was going on.</div>
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We returned to the room and used the birth ball. Pitocin was
steadily increased, and mom’s contractions were closer together and stronger. Mom
was having a challenging time coping with the pain by this point, and was using
her first language as she contracted. I encouraged her to make guttural noises,
rather than high-pitched noises, and also recommended that she relax her mouth
and let her lips flap as she exhaled. She was able to relax her mouth and continued
to use this technique through her contractions. Her husband told us that she was
saying, “I can’t”, but we encouraged her that she was doing an amazing job, and
coping well.</div>
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All of a sudden, mom appeared to be pushing. As she had been
checked less than 30min before and was only at 5cm, we were surprised. The
nurse began calling the attending and resident and I encouraged the mom to
resist the urge to push by using shallow breathing techniques. As soon as the doctor
arrived, mom gave one solid push, and baby A was born!</div>
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This was an exciting birth—it was slow to start but then
went so fast!! It was interesting to support a mom with English as her second
language. It helped me to realize how important my presence and touch is, not
just verbal communication.</div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-86504213558821586252012-12-08T16:51:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:51:42.937-08:00
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"This
was a great experience for me. The nurse was very welcoming and inclusive, and
already had a great rapport with the new parents. Mom was in early labor when I
arrived, so we were able to chat quite a bit. She was doing well when I
arrived, and was able to get a little rest. I helped her with breathing, and
normalizing what she was experiencing. When the nurses had a shift change, I
was very happy to be there to offer continuity for the parents, as this is
right when labor was starting to heat up. After the doctor broke her water, the
contractions became very intense, and although mom had strongly wanted a
pain-med free birth, she started asking about an epidural. Nurse, dad and I all
pitched in to encourage and support her, and baby was born about an hour after
that - without pain meds! The parents were very happy and proud, and they had
worked hard! I was so thrilled to be there with them. I also got to help with
breastfeeding a bit, and it was the first time I felt knowledgeable enough and
comfortable to do so. It was pretty much an ideal experience for me, as I know
I provided a benefit to them and they were thankful. I wish I could have
visited them the next day, but the snowstorm kept me at home. I talked to mom
briefly on the phone, so we got closure that way."</div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-24167293811299883152012-12-07T16:50:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:51:23.589-08:00
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"This
was a complicated birth. I had to work through an interpreter. Some of the
complications were OP, maternal fever, stalled labor, and meconium staining.
Although the mother had an epidural, it was very well titrated and the nurses
and doctors were very open to letting the mother labor on hands and knees and
use a sqat bar for pushing. The baby was delivered from the squatting position
and I was very thankful to the doctors and nurses for being so open to allowing
her to use alternative positions ... It is often difficult to know how to
support a mother with an epidural because at first glance it looks as if the
medicine is totally assisting with the coping." </div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-39957271934147635362012-12-06T16:50:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:50:44.387-08:00
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"My
first experience ever as a doula was with the UWMC Doula Care program. I was
called in off the call list to support a young woman who voiced a desire for
additional support. She had no previous knowledge of doulas, but our connection
was immediate. I was called pretty far into her labor, and arrived when she was
about 9cm. I helped her breathe, stay calm and supported. The patient's partner
was there and seemed nervous about the process, so I was grateful to have been
called in. Shortly after I arrived she was complete, and about 30 minutes of
pushing later, in which the entire care team encouraged her to take her time
and push slowly, a beautiful baby was born. I stayed for a while, and visited
her afterward--she was so grateful for the experience and in love with her
baby. I have been to a handful of births since then and out of them all,
this experience made me realize that the simple presence of someone who is
unconditionally focused on the laboring mother is so beneficial to creating a
strong sense of support and comfort. I will never forget that day,
the immediacy of our connection, and this mother's vulnerability to ask for
help and to so openly welcome a stranger so far into her birth process." </div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-3532142052460722972012-12-05T16:50:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:50:16.282-08:00
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"I
helped the couple feel like they could trust the process, that everything was
progressing beautifully I helped her with massage and breathing. Walking in the
room and not knowing who the clients are, what they expect from you, or what
will happen, is always hard. I was reminded that even just being totally
present is almost enough, and that part of my job is to help the woman feel
like her own expert"</div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-74495383061192261062012-12-04T16:49:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:49:48.152-08:00
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"I
was surprised to find the people at the desk waiting for me when I checked in
for my first shift! They had a patient who was unaccompanied and really wanted
a doula. At that time she was in very early labor and after we talked for a
while we decided that I would go home and they would call me in when she was
farther along. In the end I went in to accompany her at her C-section. I tried
to stay focused on the mother's needs and out of the way as much as possible.
So much of this is new to me, I wasn't sure if I was any help at all, but the
postpartum visit the next day was very encouraging. I am amazed at how calm and
brave this first-time mother was with each thing that happened, and I feel
grateful she let me be part of her daughter's birth. I didn't get to help much
at all with contractions and physical comfort measures, but maybe it was also
important that a friend be next to her and witness whatever happened-- someone
there just to be with her."</div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-82449501417231143592012-12-03T16:49:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:49:14.649-08:00
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"This
was last week I went in to see if they needed a doula, and since there were no
women in labor who could use my help, they asked if I would like to visit an
ante-partum patient. I ended up visiting for about an hour with a young mother
who had been in the hospital for a couple weeks already due to complications in
her pregnancy. It seemed like she really appreciated a visitor. We talked about
her birth plan and her hospital stay so far and lots of other things. She just
needed to visit and talk to someone new I think."</div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-21234300443931249272012-12-02T16:48:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:48:34.269-08:00
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"The
birth turned into a cesarean birth. I'd been assisting since that morning, but
the mom had been there since [the other] night, which was when her water broke.
Most of my care to her involved massage, hot and cold packs on her lower back
(intense back labor), coaching her with the pushing (she had an epidural), and
general emotional support ... Went back and visited her the next day in
post-partum; they were all doing great, though very tired."</div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-27218421785628373652012-12-01T16:47:00.000-08:002013-01-08T16:47:44.876-08:00
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"When
I went in to ask if they could use a doula today there was a mother at 8 cm
having an unmedicated birth, who wanted a doula, even though it was at the very
end of her labor. She was coping very quietly and seemed calm outwardly, but
she was glad to have support. Maybe because she was so quiet the people with
her were not actively helping her. So I encouraged her verbally and helped with
the double-hip squeeze during contractions, to give the nurse a break. This was
her third birth and the baby was born about an hour after I arrived. The mother
did such a good job!"</div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1451705805155855375.post-64420895764426425952012-08-26T21:31:00.001-07:002013-01-08T16:41:04.032-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome to the UWMC DoulaCare Blog!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You might be wondering who we are and what we are all about! We are a volunteer <a href="http://www.dona.org/mothers/index.php" target="_blank">doula</a> program within Volunteer Services at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Our doulas all complete <a href="http://www.dona.org/publications/position_paper_birth.php" target="_blank">DONA</a> approved doula courses before beginning the application process. Then they go through a thorough screening, interviewing and orientation process in addition to everything they need to become compliant with the UWMC Volunteer Services. Our doulas read seminal texts in the doula profession, including <i>The Birth Partner</i> by <a href="http://www.pennysimkin.com/" target="_blank">Penny Simkin</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do doulas connect with the women and families of UWMC? Doulas sign up for specific shifts and they care for any woman who requests their services during that shift until the woman gives birth. This system permits doulas to sign up for shifts that they are available for and have 12-24 hours of a window after the shift in case their doula services are needed. Additionally, it permits multiple doulas to sign up in a 24 hour period and provides an element of continuity of care in a shift based doula care system. We strive for 24/7 coverage by having an on-call doula list for those times when a doula is not signed up for a shift. Our doulas also serve women who are in antepartum and postpartum who could benefit from the additional caring support of an UWMC DoulaCare Doula. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The presence and <a href="http://www.dona.org/publications/position_paper_birth.php" target="_blank">contributions</a> of doulas to the emotional and physical needs of women during labor are evidence-based to improve outcomes. Our doulas function as a part of the care team, working with the mother, family, nurses, and providers to enhance the woman's experience in antepartum, in labor or postpartum. Our doulas have 24/7 support from the coordinators of the program if the need for debriefing, consultation or advice arises.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who are our doulas? We have an extensive array of individuals seeking to participate in our program and serve the pregnant and birthing women of UWMC. Many of our doulas aspire to become other health professionals including nurses, physicians, midwives. Others join the fields of public health and social work. Many other applicants have been doulas under other circumstances but now their personal and/or professional lives do not permit them to be on call 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The shift based and on-call system permits them to contribute meaningfully to birth work while attending to their educations, careers and families. Several doulas come to build a foundation toward professional doula work as they transition from their current professions. Regardless, our doulas contribute immeasurably to the lives of the women and families they serve while simultaneously gaining invaluable and unique experiences. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you to all of you who have served and continue to serve through this program!<br />
<br />
The UWMC DoulaCare Coordinating Team<br />
<a href="mailto:uwdoulas@gmail.com">uwdoulas@gmail.com</a><br />
Like us on facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/UWMC-Volunteer-Doula-Care-Program/165072957071" target="_blank">UWMC Volunteer Doula Program</a><br />
<br /></div>
UWMC Doula Carehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07533694663819495259noreply@blogger.com