Mothering The Mother: How A Doula Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, And Healthier Birth (Paperback)

by Marshall H. Klaus (Author) ". . . WOMEN HELPING WOMEN in labor is an ancient and widespread practice..." (more)
Key Phrases: nodoula group, experienced doula, doula support, United States, Mary Frances, National Maternity Hospital (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A doula is an experienced labor companion who provides continuous emotional support and assistance before, during, and after birth. Through research with over 2,000 women, the authors show that the presence of a doula shortens labor by an average of two hours, decreases cesarean sections by over 50%, decreases the need for pain medication, helps fathers participate, and more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; 1 edition (March 20, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201632721
• ISBN-13: 978-0201632729
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #340,169 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you think you don't need a Doula, please read this., February 14, 2000

By	Treasure Grier (Texas) - See all my reviews

I just finished the book in two days which is an accomplishment with four children at home. EVERY expectant mother should read this book and let it open your eyes to the TREMENDOUS help a doula can be. Even the most skeptical mothers or partners will finish this book with a new sense of what a doula is and how her services should be in EVERY hospital and birthing center. I recommend it to everyone expecting even if you have never heard of a doula. There is an entire chapter deticated to the studies of how doulas shorten labor, enhance labor experiences, lessens c-sections, lessen post partum depression....and the list goes on and on. Inform yourself, inform your partner, this book is excellent.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful overview of how a doula can help you, November 10, 1997

By A Customer

"Doula is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. The word has now come to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth." That's how the authors of "Mothering the Mother" define a doula. Sound wonderful? After reading the book, you'll think so. "Mothering the Mother," written by childbirth authorities Marshall H. Klaus, M.D., John H. Kennell, M.D., (co-authors of "Parent-Infant Bonding") and Phyllis H. Klaus, M.Ed, C.S.W., is fascinating reading.

The book explains the role of the doula, how she can support the mother and father during birth, and cites studies that document how birth with a doula improves outcomes in areas such as length of labor, rates of vaginal deliveries, the use of medications and other interventions. According to the authors, doulas shorten first-time labors by an average of two hours, decrease the chance of Cesarean section deliveries by 50 percent, decrease the need for pain medications, help fathers participate in the birth with confidence, increase success in breast-feeding.

"Mothering the Mother" follows the actual course of birth in various settings and includes photos of birthing women being assisted by fathers and doulas. The book shows readers how to achieve the benefits of having a doula, and how to find and evaluate a doula.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most up to date information about Doulas., January 6, 1999

By A Customer

I am a doula and the information that is contained in this book is informative and helps our clients learn about what we can and cannot do to help them. I feel that every mother should have a doula. Not because I am a Doula, but because I had a Doula myself. This book will let couples make informed decisions about having a doula at their birth.