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What Constitutes a Higher-Risk Pregnancy?
In a lower-risk pregnancy the literature explains and promotes coping techniques for situations and discomforts that are likely to be encountered throughout the nine month term. There is also cultural support of an anecdotal nature in our films, television shows and literature, all reassuring woman that what they are experiencing is universal and therefore normal. This constant societal reassurance promotes a sense of union, albeit unspoken, with other women and with other people who are interested in, or have an understanding of the pregnancy experience...
What is an Antepartum Doula?
Few of us go into pregnancy planning for a high risk experience; it is not part of our personal plan. When a pregnancy becomes 'high risk', for whatever reason, it begins to veer off the path our society and mythology have prepared us for. In a sense the higher risk pregnancy becomes the 'What Not To Expect When You're Expecting' experience...
Why Do We Need Antepartum Doulas?
As the medical profession continues to make greater advancements in the fields of reproductive science and obstetrics they are making it possible for women who previously might never experienced a pregnancy to do so. Thus giving rise to the burgeoning field of Perinatology or high risk obstetrics.
What Constitutes Informed Consent?
An individual has the need for practical support, positive input, encouragement, building of self esteem and knowledge in order to make decisions. When this is provided by the caregiver it promotes an open flow of information. This is crucial in a higher-risk pregnancy when choices may need to be made throughout the pregnancy and well into the newborn's life. The right to an informed choice empowers the individual, providing a stable knowledge basis for decision making, thereby increasing satisfaction level regarding pregnancy, labour, delivery, parenting and life...
In Praise of the Small Labour Room
As we continue to advance in the fields of technology and design, specifically as it relates to the modern labour and delivery rooms, much has been said on how progressive and spacious they are now becoming. In our present culture where change is considered good, new is best and bigger is better that has been reflected in the designing and constructing of the labour and delivery room
The Importance of Relaxation in Pregnancy
To most people, relaxation is a simple thing that requires no thought or effort, but in reality it can be the most difficult of all of the techniques to learn. Relaxation often is difficult to achieve because we perceive non-movement, or stillness, as counter-productive. We are suspicious of anyone who appears to be doing nothing, and since there is no perceived tangible benefit from relaxation it is not a practice that is accorded much merit in our society.
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