Dr. Shoshana C. Kesner Ph.D., Dip. Hom., Doula (Israel & America)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Won’t my Husband feel left out?
A. I do not take the place of the birthing mother's partner. On the contrary, her presence can lessen a partner's anxiety, allowing him/her to participate in the birth at his own level of comfort.
Q. Will you be telling us what to do?
A. I do not make decisions for the couple. I provide information to empower the couple to make their own personal choices, and supports those choices.
Q. What if I have a problem with the medical staff?
A. I cannot intervene between the couple and the medical staff. I will, however, facilitate that communication.
Q. How often will you need breaks?
A. I will not and do not leave the couple at shift changes. I am with the birthing mother throughout her labor and for the important period of time following birth. If I am with you for more than 24 hours, I will need to rest. But will not leave you during transition or delivery. When you rest, I rest.
Q. So, What do you do?
A. I provide physical support to the birthing mother. I may suggest positions that will enhance the course of labor or provide relief. I may walk with her to facilitate labor's progress. According to the mother's wishes and needs, I may massage various areas of the mother's body, cool her face, bring her ice chips, help her turn, apply heat or cold, or assist her to visit the bathroom.
Q. What if I have a hard time relaxing?
A. I enhance the mother's ability to relax and conserve her strength for the work ahead. I use soft words, visualization, music, massage or guided imagery. I become a constant for the mother with encouragement during a vulnerable time.
Q. What do you do to help my husband/partner?
A. I encourage the birth partner to participate at his/her own comfort level. I can show him how to use appropriate techniques to help the birthing mother, or can give him the space to simply hold the mother's hand, freeing him to simply bond emotionally.
Q. What if I feel distraught, or really emotionally all over the place?
A. This is best answered on two different levels. First, I provide emotional support for the couple. I provide verbal encouragement and assurance when needed, and can help keep the mother focused and in control of her labor. I understand the anxiety and vulnerability the couple may be experiencing.
Second, I provide environmental comfort, creating an environment that best aids a woman in labor. I may change the lighting or sound level, play music, adjust the temperature, or straighten the room, according to the mother's needs and wishes.
Q. What if there is a situation we don’t understand? How will we know what do?
A. I am very serious about providing informational support. I understand the process of birth and can explain it. Without making decisions for the couple, I can answer questions for them to allow them to consider their choices and alternatives. When necessary I will bring a member of the medical staff to the couple for additional questions. I strongly support informed choice, and will support the birthing mother in her decisions.
Q. Why Should I Choose You?
A. Because I am a Mom, a Homeopath, a Nurse, a certified experienced Doula and have been there myself! I have experienced birth almost every way possible. I understand children and love to work with them, because I am passionate about pregnancy, birth and babies, because pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, babies and children is my area of expertise, because I care!
Call to Make an Appointment at : 054-234-2367 Or e-mail Me at : shoshana@drskesner.com
Please Visit My Blog at: http://israelbirthdoula.blogspot.com
Please Visit LinkedIn Page at: http://www.linkedin.com/ShoshanaKesner
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