Homework 41- Independent Research- Doulas

Simkin, Penny. "The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity Care." DONA. DONA International, 2008. Web. 1 Apr 2011. <http://www.dona.org/develop/birth_cert.php>.


This is an extensive article on what Doulas are, and how they help mothers-to-be. It states how Doulas are an effective birth aid and it is proven by how there are less complications, and c-sections in births with doulas. It makes claims that Doulas are well educated, trained, and are extremely passionate about  what they do, making them great birth aides.It explains that Doulas aren't there to deliver the baby, but to support the mother in delivering it herself.  


Nettekoven, Cami. "Value and Purpose of Labor Support." Babies Online. Babiesonline Inc., n.d. Web. 31 Mar 2011. <http://www.babiesonline.com/articles/pregnancy/valuepurposeofdoulas.asp>.


This is an article on what a doula does during birth and the benefits of having one. This Article explains how Doulas are a good birth aid because of their knowledge and passion. It also states how a Doula is there for the pregnancy too, showing full support, and knowing a lot about the women.


"Should You Become A Doula?." Doula.com. Western Belt Buckles, 2006. Web. 1 Apr 2011. <http://www.doula.com/become-a-doula.shtml>


An article on deciding whether or not becoming a Doula is right for person. It's main points were that you need: A flexible lifestyle, calmness under pressure, to be able to assert yourself without offending, substantial birth experience, and the ability to give support physically and mentally.This article is basically saying that becoming a doula can be rewarding, but it is a stressful job, and it's not for everyone.


"Becoming A Doula." DONA. DONA International, 08 Aug 2007. Web. 1 Apr 2011. <http://www.dona.org/develop/birth_cert.php>.


This is not necessarily an article, but a brief outline for getting certified to be a Doula. It is from DONA, which is an organization that authorizes Doulas in North America. It lays out steps that can be broken down as: Read the required reading, attend childbirth and Doula work shops, then start attending births. It shows that the training is much different then the actual job, but the education for it is appropriate, and helpful.


"Hospital Based Doula Programs - A Guide For The Professional." Birthsource,com. Perinatal Education Associates, Inc., 2010. Web. 1 Apr 2011. <http://www.birthsource.com/scripts/article.asp?articleid=94>.


This article was about bringing Doula programs to hospitals, and how to help do that as a medical professional. This article is a progressional article stating how at this time it is possible to have a new medical system with doctors and birth aids working in one place; co-existing. It talks about past attempts, and their failures, while reinstating that it can work now, with new strategies It gives a few hospital based Doula Program options.. 
The sources I found during this research could be part of a bigger academic project exploring different birth models. Doula's can be a supplement to hospital as well as home births with OB/GYN's or midwives. A possible argument that I could make would be something such as: Hospital births, attended by a midwife, assisted by a doula, and supervised by a OB/GYN are the best kind of births. After making this statement I could go on to talk about the advantages of having this combination. The research comes in here, where I can state that while midwives themselves attend the full birth, and have extended visits with patients making them the top delivery choice. But at the same time, Doulas are effective supplements to birth because they are like an extension of the woman's family, but have training to help the woman cope with birth.