The Doula Book: How A Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, And Healthier Birth [Paperback]

Marshall H. Klaus (Author), John H. Kennell (Author), Phyllis H. Klaus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 5, 2002

More and more parents-to-be all over the world are choosing the comfort and reassuring support of birth with a trained labor companion called a "doula." This warm, authoritative, and irreplaceable guide completely updates the authors' earlier book, Mothering the Mother, and adds much new and important research. In addition to basic advice on finding and working with a doula, the authors show how a doula reduces the need for cesarean section, shortens the length of labor, decreases the pain medication required, and enhances bonding and breast feeding. The authors, world-renowned authorities on childbirth with combined experience of over 100 years working with laboring women, have made their book indispensable to every woman who wants the healthiest, safest, and most joyful possible birth experience.A Merloyd Lawrence Book

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

World-wide renowned authorities on birthing and bonding, Klaus and Kennell (Bonding) team up once again in this new work, focusing on the role of the doula, a Greek word that means "woman caregiver." Today, the authors explain, doula has come to mean an experienced labor companion who provides parents-to-be with emotional and physical support during labor, delivery and, to some extent, postpartum. The three authors (Phyllis Klaus teaches psychotherapy at the Erikson Institute in California) describe how a doula can help the birthing process, detailing studies that indicate doula-supported births result in a major reduction in the length of labor, a greater than 50% drop in cesarean sections, a decrease in a mother's need for pain medication and fewer feeding problems for babies after birth. Over the past decade, the authors claim, "evidence for the benefits of doula support has been accumulating dramatically." Expectant parents will find this exciting information, and it may impact their birthing plans. With appendixes and photos (many of which, unfortunately, seem to date from the 1970s) detailing a doula's training, relaxation and visualization techniques, the book will also be vital for women considering entering this field. As usual, the team of Klaus and Kennell presents its work in a clear, compassionate manner, offering new insights and ways to make birthing a safe and positive experience for all involved.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

A doula, from the Greek word meaning "woman caregiver," acts as a companion to a woman before, during, and, to a lesser extent, after labor. Unlike a midwife, she does not provide obstetrical care (i.e., deliver babies) but rather offers continuous and individualized emotional and physical support in order to foster a sense of reassurance, shorten labor, and decrease the need for pain killers and cesarean section. In this update of Mothering the Mother (1993), neonatologist Klaus, pediatrician John H. Kennell, and psychotherapist Phyllis H. Klaus carefully delineate the specific functions and characteristics of a well-trained doula, the criteria for selecting one, and the numerous benefits of using one. Real-life examples of the interaction among the doula, the mother, and her partner illuminate what it's like to work with a doula. Appendixes provide detailed information about the training of doulas, the techniques that they employ, and the results of clinical trials of labor support. The only drawback is that the photographs appear rather dated. A fine acquisition for public library pregnancy and health collections.
Linda M.G. Katz, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 2nd edition (November 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738206091
• ISBN-13: 978-0738206097
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Outdated, despite the revisions, and damaging to the field, June 17, 2003

By 

"buhuiming" (Vermont and Quebec) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Doula Book: How A Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, And Healthier Birth (Paperback)

I had originally intended to buy "The Doula Book" (formerly Mothering the Mother), but found it to be outdated in both it's writing style and the audience it addressed (the 70's mother), despite the fact that it was recently updated. It begins with a description of a happy couple immagining a birth where they are the only two people present in which the baby is born easily and effortlessly at home. Though I was born at home and I actually know a couple that delivered their own baby, this kind of imagry is not what most couples in North America today have around birth. Most of the book tends to exclude mainstream North America--the people who need doulas most. Instead, I highly recommend "The Doula Advantage" by Rachel Gurevich. I found her book by accident while shopping for "The Doula Book." I couldn't put it down so I bought it, and then stayed up all night reading it cover to cover. It is concise, engaging, and written for a wide audience, which gets the message out: doulas are good for ALL types of labors from cesarean sections to nonmedicated homebirths and everything inbetween. (Not just "hippy" types--don't get me wrong, I'm one of them--wanting a natural birth, as seems to be suggested by The Doula Book). It discusses how a doula has been proven to dramatically decreese rates of c-sections, episiotomies, medications and other overly-used medical interventions, but also admits that sometimes these interventions are necessary, and explains how the Doula can provide support for this as well. She gives accounts of mothers, fathers, doulas and health providers to present a clear picture of what a doula can do for everyone involved in the prenatal, labor and postnatal experience. It is empowering to women and their partners without being overly philosophical or "corney" (to quote the author herself). It is an honest look at birth in the North American setting of today, that takes into account the history of birth in the US and Canada and is frank about the situation today in hospitals and out. I highly recommend this book instead of "The Doula Book" for expecting mothers and fathers, people considering becoming doulas (I am seriously considering it after reading this book), and anyone who wants a clear picture of what a doula is.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, January 21, 2005

By 

Working Doula (Nova Scotia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Doula Book: How A Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, And Healthier Birth (Paperback)

I am a working doula and found this book to be of great value. I would think it is better for the potential doula rather than the expectant mother as a resource. This book clearly outlined the research studies to support a doula-assisted birth. At no point did I feel there was a political agenda attached to the content. It was clear in outlining the significant benefits and risks of any method or intervention. I am an unbiased doula assisting women in whatever birth they chose whether it be medicated or not, the book simply lays out the benefits of doulas.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Resource for info on Doulas!, September 9, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Doula Book: How A Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, And Healthier Birth (Paperback)

I'm not sure why some of the other reviewers were so negative about this book. It provides a great review of the research regarding doulas positive impact on labor and birth, addresses doulas and dads, and generally gives you an idea of what to expect from your doula. Definitely something to check out if you're interested in maintaining as natural of a childbirth as possible -- even if you know you'll be induced or have a cesarean birth!