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. 2003 Fall;12(4):1-7.
doi: 10.1624/105812403X107017.

Childbirth education and doula care during times of stress, trauma, and grieving

Debra Pascali-Bonaro

Childbirth education and doula care during times of stress, trauma, and grieving

Debra Pascali-Bonaro. J Perinat Educ. 2003 Fall.

Abstract

A collaborative, interspecialty volunteer program extending for nine months after September 11, 2001, provided free support and service to pregnant women widowed by the attacks on the World Trade Center. Participating providers studied the physiological and psychological effects of stress. Group sharing, discussions about the effects of emotions on labor progress, and other techniques were incorporated into sessions. The program's success suggests that childbirth educators should prepare all pregnant women to cope with stress. Subsequent national and international events have reinforced the importance of such training. The childbirth educator can also help by maintaining a referral list of local trauma counselors and other resources.

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