The need for support in labor -- The special role of the doula -- Enhancing the birth experience -- Reducing discomfort, pain, and anxiety in childbirth -- Obstetric benefits of doula support -- Longer-term benefits of doula suport -- Birth with a doula -- A father's true role -- A female relative or close friend trained as a doula -- Postpartum care -- Appendix A: The training of a doula -- Appendix B: Relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis exercises for pregnancy, labor, birth, and breastfeeding -- Appendix C: Characteristics of randomized clinical trials of labor support -- Appendix D: Resources.
|
