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empowering and supporting birthing families in our community |
Labour Companion Program (Doula Services):
What is a labour companion? A labour companion is a women trained to provide confidential, caring support during pregnancy and birth. Our labour companions draw on their knowledge and experience to provide comfort and emotional support. They will also help ensure that the client has the information they need to make informed decisions as they arise in labour. They provide reassurance, make suggestions for labour progress and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort.
What is the difference between a MACFE labour companion and a doula? Nothing. MACFE has used the term "labour companion" since the early 1980's, before the term "doula" became popular. The services are the same, and the terms are interchangeable. MACFE has begun to incorporate the word "doula" into much of its literature to help clear up some of this confusion.
What is the difference between a MACFE labour companion (doula) and a midwife? In 1997, the Manitoba government declared midwifery an independent, regulated health care service. Midwives are autonomous health care providers and are responsible for the provision of primary health services within their scope of practice. MACFE labour companions (doulas) do not perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, or vaginal exams. The labour companion does not make decisions for the client, nor speak to the staff on their behalf. A labour companion will help the client get the information necessary to make an informed decision. Your labour companion works for you, not the hospital or caregiver.
If I have a midwife, do I still need a doula? MACFE has always advocated for a women's right to choose her caregiver, and place of birth. Midwifery care does provide a continuity of care piece that is often missed in regular obstetrical care. There is, however, an advantage to having another person, independent of the medical system, there to support you. A labour companion if free to support your emotional needs during labour without the medical responsibilities of clinical tasks and record keeping. As previously stated, the labour companion works directly for the client, and not the hospital or medical establishment. She has the women's needs as her sole priority.
Does the labour companion (doula) take the place of my partner and interfere with our intimate experience? No! MACFE's labour companions are trained to provide support, not just to the labouring women, but to her family (as she defines it) as well. In fact, studies have shown that having a doula attend a women's birth can actually improve the couples satisfaction rating of one another after the birth (Klaus, Kennel, and Klaus). The labour companion allows the partner to participate at their comfort level without leaving the women's needs unmet for even a moment. By making sure that the partner's needs are met (food, drink occasional back rubs and reassurance), and by protecting their environment, the woman and the partner can work more closely together.
Childbirth Preparation Classes:
What is MACFE's philosophy? MACFE is a consumer-based organization that has been providing education and support to families since 1982. It began with a group of parents that were frustrated by the lack of non-hospital based classes offered in Winnipeg. We at MACFE do not see the childbearing year as a series of medical events. We believe that pregnancy and birth are physically normal and healthy stages of most women’s lives, with important emotional and psychological aspects. All MACFE instructors work independently or in teams under the basic tenets and philosophy of MACFE: “empowering and supporting birthing families in our community”.
What kinds of classes does MACFE offer? MACFE offers classes that suit a variety of different schedules and circumstances. There is a regular full series Childbirth Preparation class that consists of 7 prenatal class evenings and 1 postnatal class. This series is also offered in a weekend format that consists of two Saturday daytime classes. MACFE also offers private full series classes for those that wish to be taught in the convenience of their own homes. A refresher course for those clients that have previously taken childbirth preparation classes is also available.
Why Take MACFE Classes? All MACFE classes are offered in small group settings [maximum 10 expectant women and their support person(s)]. This small class size ensures plenty of time for personalized teaching, time to get to know the other participants and time to address individual questions and concerns. Because MACFE classes are not based out of a specific hospital, discussion will incorporate all of Winnipeg’s place-of-birth options. MACFE offers a wholistic approach to childbirth, encouraging women to be the center decision makers in this life-altering event. We explain options and alternatives, and empower women to make their own choices.
We share the ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association) philosophy of “Freedom of Choice Through Knowledge of Alternatives”.
“If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any!”
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