Speed Babysitting

I came across the term “Doula” for the first time a few months ago, when someone registered as a babysitter in Melbourne on our website.  Under occupation and studies she stated “Doula”. As I had never heard of the term before I went straight online and looked it up!

The concept of a doula is not new. A woman supporting another woman through labor is a tradition that goes back many years in all cultures.  Nowadays most women do not live in close-knit communities where their sisters, mothers, aunts, and friends are there to support them through pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. These events can be scary and can make a woman feel lost if she has to experience them alone. And this is where a doula can step in.

A doula works alongside other healthcare professionals to ensure that the birthing woman and her partner have the best support possible for their birth experience.

You may ask, “But isn’t that what the midwife is for?” The answer is simply “No”!

A midwife is a medically trained professional - in attendance to monitor both you and your baby's health throughout birth.  For the majority of your labour, if you are in hospital, a midwife will be out of the room tending to other labouring women and will leave you to your own devices. They monitor you and then disappear until the birth is imminent, popping in occasionally to check your progress. A doula will stay on your side the whole time to make sure that you and your partner have all the support you need.

Many women do not realise their own strength and are fearful of birth, and doulas can play a very important role in helping labouring women realise just how much they are capable of and releasing them from the fear of the unknown.

These days many assume it odd or weird to have anyone there during labour apart from their partner. This however is not the case.  Studies have proven that the support of a trained Doula leads to a marked reduction in interventions during labour.

All in all I think a doula is a great help nowadays for woman and am hoping that their profession will become more accepted and known in Australia in the next few years.

Are you interested in becoming a doula? Check out the Australian Doula College www.australiandoulacollege.com.au for more information.

Are you a doula and looking for some extra work?  Speed Babysitting is always looking for experienced babysitters and you can go to our website and register your details http://www.speedbabysitting.com.au/babysitters.html

Find a baby sitter in Melbourne

What parent doesn't need some time out from the kids every now and then? Have you got a babysitter organised for 2011? If the answer is NO, there is a new unique way for you to find your next babysitter in Melbourne easily.

At Speed Babysitting Events you will meet several pre interviewed, qualified and experienced babysitters in one spot at one time! It is like Speed Dating, but instead of finding a new date, you will find the perfect babysitter for your family! Within approx. 2 hours you will have talked to all the babysitters and can decide which ones you liked the best and would like to get to know better.

The next Speed Babysitting Event is coming up on Monday, 7 February 2011, 7.30pm in South Melbourne.

Attendance is Free! You only pay if you find your ideal babysitter on the night! Registration is essential!

Please go to our website www.speedbabysitting.com.au to register for this event or for more information.