Doulas and Birth Tools

9/3/2018 0 Comments

Doulas and Birth Tools

By Sarah Newton, Certified Doula from Richmond, Virginia

As a doula of 7 years, I am always looking for new “tools” to have with me in my doula bag. Specifically, ones that will benefit my clients and help them have a better, smoother birthing experience.

Tools I have utilized are:

Birthing Ball: These are beneficial, but do not have as much versatile uses. Some negatives are that they are often unstable, it’s not a once size fits all, and it can’t really be used when a client has opted for medication for pain relief.
Peanut Balls: Excellent for opening the pelvis when a client is laying down, as well as leaning over in knee/chest position. Negatives are that you can’t sit on them, or utilize when pushing.
Birthing Stools: Great for laboring in an upright position, but I have yet to find one that was comfortable for sitting on for more than a few minutes.
CUB: you can use in place of a ball, peanut or birthing, and a stool. It opens the pelvis, helps position of mother and baby, brings pain relief, and is more comfortable then any of the above three.
I stumbled upon a Facebook post about the CUB in the last month or so, and was very intrigued by it. Since almost always have used some kind of device that would help progress labor, lessen pain, etc. at births there was some definite interest in how the CUB could be of use. I immediately started doing some research on it so I could learn as much as possible about its benefits and uses.

Discovery
Here is what I discovered: the CUB, or comfortable upright birth, is an inflatable birthing tool. Shaped similar to a birthing stool, but infinitely more comfortable and allows you to labor in a variety of positions. It also has the benefits of being portable, easily cleaned, and much more stable during those long labors.

I am also loving that this could be utilized as much with a client who had an epidural as one who was having a natural delivery. Having one birthing tool that can do both is great for me since my birthing bag can only hold so many goodies. I am a supporter of anything that is low intervention and allows my client to deliver in the best, and safest way possible. I also want tools that can help clients feel more comfortable, more stable, and with less pain.

The CUB really does fit the bill, and then some. It’s the equivalent of a birthing ball, peanut ball, and birthing stool all rolled up into one.
And comes in a few lovely shades of color!

Honestly, I really liked the idea of being one of the first people in my area to utilize this amazing tool. And hopefully be able to bring it into any and all locations I am working with clients at. If you only have room for one tool, this would be it.

You can read up on all it’s benefits here:
http://www.the-cub-usa.com

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Meet Our Authors

Sarah Geo Walton

Sarah is the owner of Bright Heart Birth Services and co-owner of the family boutique and support center The Nurturing Nest in Reno, Nevada. She is both a Birth and Postpartum Doula (DONA), a Certified GentleBirth Childbirth Educator, a trained Placenta Encapsulation Specialist and a Certified Birth Assistant.
Sarah grew up in an empowered do-it-yourself environment. Supporting others has always been, and continues to be, a large part of who she is. She shines best in moments of vulnerability and connection and has been known to do knee slides on the dance floor.

Emily Jacobson, Green Bay Doulas Wisconsin

Raised in Green Bay, Emily has been a labor and postpartum doula since 2011. In 2012, she added placenta encapsulation services to her list of expertise, in 2016 certified Newborn Care Specialist and 2017 Certified childbirth educator. Emily’s strength lies in supporting families through the childbearing years, in whatever manner they envision it unfolding. Prior to doula work, Emily worked as a nanny, respite provider and ABA behavioral therapist for 8+ years. She has extensive experience with special needs and children with spectrum disorders.

Shalini Wiseman, Chartered Physiotherapist in Women's Health & Continence

Shalini is the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist at the Cork Womens Clinic and works as a Senior Physiotherapist in Women’s Health and Continence at the Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH).
She has vast experience in treating a broad range of Women’s Health related conditions such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunctions, dyspareunia, and ante-natal and post-natal pelvic girdle dysfunction.

Alayna Spratley, Certified Childbirth Educator and Doula

Alayna is a certified childbirth educator through Lamaze and Birth Boot Camp and is also an Indie Birth community instructor. She helps families, community stakeholders, and professionals engage in meaningful conversations regarding birth equity, healthy and safe birth practices, and the benefits of shared decision-making! Alayna supports using a collaborative grassroots education and action model to ensure all people have a voice in improving birth outcomes for individuals, babies, and families. She steadfastly believes that peace on Earth begins with birth.

MeriBeth Glenn, Midwife in Pennsylvania

MeriBeth is from Pennsylvania. She has been involved in birth for nearly 20 years. Her jouney began as a doula, CBE and breastfeeding peer counselor. For the past 15 years MeriBeth has been a traditional midwife offering out-of-hospital birth. She has also had the honor of being a midwife teacher and mentor to several doulas and aspiring midwives. On a personal level, MeriBeth is a homeschooling mom to many blessings. Her personal birthing experiences gives her an important and valuable insight into birth and helping to support the natural process. It is her desire to see upright labor and birth postures become a normal and highly encouraged option for women in all birthing environments.

Sarah Newton, Doula in Virginia

Sarah is a certified Birth Doula and twice trained Postpartum Doula through DONA. Her practicing as a licensed massage therapist adds a lot to her doula experience which is now counting for more than 7 years. Sarah is passionate about guiding women and their families through pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum while attending all types of births as a doula.

Camille Nyman, Doula and Childbirth Educator in Maryland

Camille is a Certified Doula, Chidbirth Educator and Doula Agency Owner from northern Baltimore County, Maryland. She sits on board of two non-profit organizations working to improve birth. With a holistic perspective and emphasis on natural comfort measures, Camille is a passionate educator.

Gemma Wilson, Lamaze Childbirth Educator

Gemma is a Lamaze Childbirth Educator and Doula in Australia, owner of Birthability Birth Education. After the birth of her two children she saw and felt how amazing and empowering birth truly was so Gemma became a Doula as she wanted to help women to find their power. She is very passionate about providing support for women and their partners right at the time it is needed the most.

Michelle Hardy, Doula and ICEA Trainer in Wisconsin

Michelle has been working in the birth world for more than 15 years. She is a Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator and Breastfeeding Counselor. Michelle runs a non-profit organisation called Mothering The Mother as well as her private business Milwaukee Doulas. In addition to that she is a trainer with the ICEA.

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