Special Women: The Role of the Professional Labor Assistant (Paperback)

~ (Author), Cheryl Snedeker (Author) "Birth can be a positive and life-changing experience for a woman..." (more)
Key Phrases: North America, Polly Perez, Cutting Edge Press (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Paulina Perez' own work as a monitrice spawned the idea for this book that was written for women who work as labor support professionals. The author also address women who have the potential and the enthusiasm to become one of these "special Women". The author has wisely included reminders to the labor assistant of her difficult role of patient advocate:"Advocacy does not mean taking over for the woman or couple and making decisions for them or controlling them; it means helping women or couples help themselves vy provididng them with information and advice. She makes sure they are aware of their options so they can make informed choices." Special Women is a good introduction to the new profession of doula and monitrice for women considering or already in this work and for mothers-to-be planning labor support. -- Genesis

This guidebook to the potential for wonder in birth grew out of the author's 25 years of pioneering experience (e.g., hospital consultant, perinatal nurse, childbith educator, montrice). To her own experience she has added the cumulative wisdom of 75 families who chose to hire professional labor support, whose descriptions of their experiences enliven and enrich the discussions. The book identifies two primary types of professional labor assistant: the doula and the monitrice. Doulas provide physical and emotional support during birth, but do no assessment of fetal or maternal well-being, whereas the monitrice combines nurturing with clinical skills. For women who desire loving and empowering bith experiences, and for those who would like to devote their professional lives to helping others acheive those goals, this delightful and well-written book is an invaluable resource. -- Birth- Robbie E Davis-Floyd Ph.D.

Product Description

Not only was Special Women the first book on the topic of the intrapartum doula, it is full of comprehensive information about providing continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother-to-be and her partner. Doulas and monitrices seek to cultivate a positive birth memory for the mother and can act as a liaison between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical provider. Professional labor assistants have beneficial effects on birth outcomes. Eleven studies show the following: shorter labors fewer complications & lower cesarean rates less need for oxytocin to speed labor less use of forceps less need for pain medication and epidurals greater maternal satisfaction with childbirth birth and less postpartum depression shorter hospital stays for the mother fewer admissions to special care nurseries for babies easier initiation of breastfeeding. This easy-to-read resource has been updated in it's 3rd edition with the latest information about doulas and monitrices. Many doulas call Special Women the "doula encylopedia" as it is the most all-compassing book on becoming and practicing as an intrapartum doula.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 157 pages
• Publisher: Cutting Edge Press; 3 edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964115999
• ISBN-13: 978-0964115996
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #376,627 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prospective doula's--a must read!!, March 8, 1999

By A Customer

Before you drop everything to become a doula, make sure you read this extreemly informative book. It dashes any hopes for a lucrative, care free career, but instills a sense of the kind of spirit and commitment necessary to be one of these "special women."

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Think you have what it takes to be a doula?, July 24, 2000

By	heather ryan (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

If so, this book should be on your list of "must-reads". It highlights both the ups and downs of being a professional labor support person. Think the medical profession will balk at your presence? Will you be able to provide continuous support for *days* on end? This book will give you the skinny on what to expect and how to handle most situations.

Additionally, the book has a section of real birth stories, told by a variety of people involved in the birth process. These offer insight into how real people react during child birth.

If anything was lacking in this book, it was the typos. I can't help it - I am not a perfectionist, but typos to me are kind of inexcusable. There were weird spacings and indentations. Other than that, the book is a real find.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good book about the buissness of being a labor assistant, December 13, 2007

By	Jessica Strawhacker "melodydragon1" (kansas usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

i thought it would have more teqniqus but it was mostly about the buisness of being a labor assistant however it was very good.

ps sorry about my spelling