Kathy D. says:

"In most "traditional"
cultures around the world, where mom is not medicated during
labor/delivery,
and where she gives birth in a safe, secure place surrounded by people
she
has known all her life, loves, and trusts, that you don't find this
fogginess."

I am sure you have a point, Kathy, but it is also true that Dana Raphael
found that it is "the presence of another person whose sole purpose it
is to care for the new mother" that made the difference for these new
moms when it came to breastfeeding.

To my mind that brings us back to Rubin's theory. Moms need a period of
taking in, in which they are cared for and have social support.....then
they can get on with the taking hold and getting back to work a little
more efficiently.

In my own research, I drew from Raphael's work and Rubin's theory to
help explain the known effectiveness of the doula. When you put Raphael,
Rubin and Kennell & Klaus together....you have a mighty powerful
argument for the care of new moms.

Susan Keith-Hergert RN, MS, CPN, IBCLC
mom, doula and lactation consultant in Cincinnati

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