On Jan 31, 2004, at 9:23 PM, Peggy Healy wrote:

> Susan:
>
> I will second Mary's response.  I am a trained birth doula, a certified
> postpartum doula and lactation consultant in training.  Doulas are
> wonderful
> bridges between moms and lactation consultants.  One of the most
> valuable
> relationships I have is with an IBCLC.  She has helped every one of my
> postpartum
> clients in some way, and I depend on her for help when I hit my doula
> "boundary."
>
> I think the key here is that LC's need to help doulas learn to use
> them as
> resources, connect with them, let them know their services and when
> they should
> refer.  If this happens, we can avoid situations that cause moms
> difficulty.
> It's possible, and so valuable.  Please don't let one bad experience
> define
> your relationship with all doulas.
>
> just my two cents...
>
> Peggy Healy
>
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To all LCs--

As a ppdoula for almost 9 years, my biggest supporters and greatest
mentors
and GREATEST RESOURCE to not only me but my clients have  been the LCs
in my area:  Dawn Frank, Kathy Mirra, Lucia Barthes, and many others.
(Special
thanks to all the LLLeaders too!)

These wonderful ladies have come to understand that doulas are one of
their greatest resources for their patients.  KNOWLEDGEABLE doulas are
able to take the instructions that were given to the moms from the LC
and assist in the implementation of said instructions.  Doulas are also
a great resource for the LC
as to the emotional state of the mother as we are in the homes of these
moms almost everyday.  Doula as able to give an unbiased appraisal of
the conditions of the family support mom is or is not receiving.
Hopefully, then, the doula is able to fill in wherever the mom is in
need of either physical or emotional support she so needs in order to
protect her baby's and her breastfeeding relationship.

When dealing with a doula, I guess the best thing to do is to find out
what kind of
training the doula has.  This will insure that the doula is in fact an
advocate of breastfeeding  and not a hinderance.

Katherine Koncelik
PPDoula
LLLI BF Peer Counselor

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