"Doula" is a Greek word which has come to mean a woman who helps other women, offering continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth.

Doulas are knowledgeable about the basic physiological, psychological and emotional changes during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early postpartum period.  Training includes how to support women in several variations of normal labor as well as more complicated labors.  Doulas are trained in massage, breathing and other comfort measures to help cope with labor. Doulas develop their empathic listening skills with a non-judgmental and open heart.  For more information on “How to become a Doula”, go to www.dona.org or call Penny Bussell Stansfield at (908) 359-5777.

Penny is a DONA (Doulas of North America) International Certified Doula Trainer.  She teaches several one-day introductory and multi-day certificate classes per year at Hillsborough Massage Therapy’s offices and other locations.  After your training, you will become a “Doula-In-Training,” and can continue towards full certification as a DONA Certified Doula.   Currently, Penny’s schedule includes the following classes:

Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas:  Saturday, March 13, 2010 (in or near Hillsborough, NJ)

Doula Training Weekend: Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday, March 19-21, 2010 (in or near Hillsborough, NJ)

Please contact Penny at (908) 359-5777 for more information or to register.

Hospital staff are busy and focus on the medical aspects of birth as well as endless paperwork.  The Doula’s role is entirely non-medical. She offers continuous emotional and physical support to her client and will stay for the duration of the labor, whether it lasts for 3 hours or 30 hours. Because of her education and training, she can also offer informational support about procedures and options. This enables the woman to make choices that are best for her and suit her needs.

Studies have shown that the key to an empowering birth experience does not depend on how easy or difficult the labor was, but rather on how the woman is treated by her support team.

There are now more than 16 published, randomized, controlled studies including more than 5,000 women which examine how continuous emotional and physical support in labor decrease the length of labor, the need for pain medication, epidurals and other obstetric interventions.  For more information about these studies, refer to “The Doula Book” by Marshall H Klaus, M.D., John H Kennell, M.D., and Phyllis H Klaus, C.S.W., M.F.T.

A Doula recognizes that every woman comes to labor with a different set of life experiences, coping mechanisms and attitudes.  So the Doula is adaptable and resourceful to meet the different needs of each woman.  Doula support is, by its very definition, personalized.  The Doula’s role is to support a woman who has made informed choices and empower her to feel in control of the decision making process.

Doulas are not a replacement for the special support dads or partners provide. They supplement and nurture this role by encouraging participation of dads and partners at their own comfort level.  Doulas provide reassurance and perspective to both the laboring woman and her partner.  We would be happy to send you the brochure, “Doulas and Dads,” which provides more detail about the unique support dads and partners can provide in conjunction with a Doula.

Since babies most often pick their own date and sometimes neglect to tell Mom or anyone else, it is vital that your Doula is available around the estimated birthdate.  We are unique in that we have two Doulas who can back each other up, thus ensuring that no matter what the circumstance, no matter what time of day (or night), one of our Doulas is available to assist you.  And, yes, we have a backup to the backup!

If you are interested in using a Doula, you should contact us as soon as the birth date is estimated.  Either of our DONA Certified Doulas can help you decide on the next steps and they are happy to discuss in detail the use of a Doula for your birth.  Our Doulas are Penny Bussell Stansfield and Stella Nieves.  Please call us at (908) 359-5777 to talk to one of our Doulas or to set up an interview.  You may also email us at info@hillsboroughmassage.com or use the feedback form below for your initial contact.

HOME      THERAPIES      ABOUT US      FEES/LOCATION
BENEFITS/LINKS    WORKSHOPS/CLASSES    TESTIMONIALS
FAQ’S    DOULA SERVICES    SPA SESSIONS

Call us at (908) 359-5777 for an appointment!