PREGNANCY COACH FINDING FULFILLMENT IN BACKUP ROLE.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Translated literally from ancient Greek, a ``doula'' is a slave or servant-woman. In 2003, however, the term describes a support system growing in popularity among pregnant women.

Alise Hatley had never heard the word doula until after the birth of her third child. Nearly three years later, the Newhall resident has coached and comforted dozens of women before, during and after giving birth.

``The role of the doula has existed for thousands of years. Two hundred years ago the women of the neighborhood would come over with food, rub (the mother's) back, help her change positions'' during labor, Hatley said. ``That's what doulas continue to do today.''

Unlike a midwife, who delivers the newborn and is responsible for the mother's and baby's health and physical well-being, a doula provides emotional support by reducing the mother's tension, fear and feelings of intimidation.

Inspired by the at-home birth of her third child nearly three years ago, Hatley said she recognized the power of childbirth and the importance of fostering a relaxing, focused environment for women in labor. Now a certified doula herself, the 29-year-old has attended dozens of births.

``Through the media we're often taught to fear birth,'' said Hatley, a Newhall resident and founder of the birthing service Breathe. ``On TV, the woman is always screaming terrible things at her husband or she has the baby in the taxi.

``But the day you give birth will change you more than any other day in your life, and it should be a good experience. A negative birthing experience can really undermine your self confidence as a woman.''

Hatley visits with the expectant mother and father about the 34th week of pregnancy. Armed with her birthing bag, she uses the prenatal visits to introduce the birthing ball, a plastic rolling pin filled with ice and other tools designed to make childbirth more comfortable for women.

Sitting on the giant inflated ball helps line a woman's pelvis with her spine and applies natural pressure to the cervix once labor begins.

According to the Web site www.childbirth.org, the presence of a trained doula reduces the rate of Caesarean sections by 50 percent, the use of epidurals by 60 percent and the duration of labor by 25 percent.

Doulas of North America, the organization through which Hatley is certified, reports a membership of more than 4,000 doulas in the United States.

Hatley said she works with about two clients per month and opted to live in Newhall because of the close proximity to the freeway.

``I get calls in the middle of the night. I'm basically on call, like a doctor would be,'' she said. ``I don't delivery the baby or treat the mother medically. I complement the doctor or the midwife and am able to focus solely on the emotional and comfort needs of the mother.''

Hatley's friend, Carol Stevenson, is nearly 8 months pregnant with her third child and agrees that the techniques Hatley uses to soothe the pain of pregnancy are invaluable.

``It's really relaxing, the way she gets you to focus,'' the Stevenson Ranch resident said. ``It's true about the importance of remembering the experience. The best way to do that is to be comfortable and not frantic.''

For information about Hatley and her services, e-mail AliseHatley(at)hotmail.com.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Alise Hatley of Newhall, right, works with Carol Stevenson of Stevenson Ranch, who is almost eight months pregnant. A doula, Hatley helps pregnant women focus and relax.

(2 -- 3) At left, Alise Hatley works with Carol Stevenson, on a ball that will help her apply pressure to the cervix once labor begins. Above, Hatley works with Stevenson. ``I don't delivery the baby or treat the mother medically,'' Hatley said. ``I complement the doctor or the midwife and am able to focus solely on the emotional and comfort needs of the mother.''

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer