A Doula Story (2005), a DVD available in English/Spanish/Japanese. Kindling Group Production, produced and directed by Daniel Alpert. Cost: DVD for Institutions (Colleges/Universities) includes Resource and Discussion Toolkit, $199.99. DVD for Community Groups/Public Libraries/Schools includes Resource and Discussion Toolkit, $99.99. DVD for Home Video does not include Resource and Discussion Toolkit, $29.99. 60 minutes in duration. The Kindling Group phone: 773-728-8489. The Kindling Group, 1222 W. Wilson Ave Suite 2E, Chicago, IL 60640. A Doula Story Web site: http://www.adoulastory.org
This is a heartwarming story on the role of a doula in a community-based program for pregnant teens who live in a low-income Chicago neighborhood. The doula, Loretha Weisinger, knows well the issues these teens face because she too was raised in this neighborhood, and was a teen mom. Loretha says being a doula "is what I was born to do." Those viewing this DVD will find themselves understanding her passion, endurance, and commitment as she works with teens to achieve a healthy pregnancy, a positive birth experience, and promote maternal-infant attachment. Loretha takes the audience on a journey through the life of a community doula as she goes door to door to seek pregnant teens in need of support. She is assertive in her mission to provide emotional support, education, and guidance as an advocate to empower the teens to develop self-confidence and good decision-making skills.
A variety of real-life scenarios is presented to provide the audience with an understanding of interpersonal relationships and psychosocial issues doulas face as they work with pregnant teens in prenatal classes and throughout their pregnancy. The DVD also acknowledges the importance of maintaining contact with the teen mom following childbirth through follow-up phone calls and home visits. It is during this time that personal goals created during the pregnancy are revisited. Loretha encourages the teen moms to take the responsibility of parenting seriously and use these goals to plan their future.
Childbirth educators, nursing faculty, hospital and community health nurses will find this a valuable teaching tool. It encompasses real-life experiences of pregnant teens and also provides insight into the holistic role of a community-based doula. Videography is excellent and the dialogue is realistic. The film has limited interaction between members of the healthcare team (physicians, nurses, social workers); however, the Resource & Discussion Toolkit provides questions to engage discussion of interprofessional collaboration. This film is culturally sensitive and would be an excellent resource for obstetric and community health nurses to better understand life challenges encountered with a teen pregnancy.
Barbara J. Sittner, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, Lincoln, Nebraska, Phone: 402-472-7376, E-mail: [email protected]