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A doula provides continuous knowledgeable and experienced companionship to a woman and her family throughout the birth of her child. A doula will help you understand how your body is designed to birth your baby and to trust and welcome this natural process. With so many options and interventions available today, your doula will make sure you have the information you need to decide what is best for you and your growing family.
Studies show that having a doula attend your birth can result in:
50% reduction in caesarean section rate
25% decrease in length of labor
30% decrease in use of forceps
40% decrease in use of pitocin
60% decrease in use of epidural anesthesia
30% decrease in use of narcotic pain medication
Medical caregivers are focused on ensuring physical health and well-being for you and your baby. Doulas care for your emotional health and well-being and your feelings of satisfaction with your birth experience. This non-medical contribution makes a huge difference, resulting in a stronger bond between you and your baby, more successful breastfeeding and reduced postpartum depression.
A doula takes the pressure to perform off your partner or labor companion, freeing him or her to love and encourage you (what he/she does best) and enjoy the birth with you.
A doula does not:
- Provide medical care or advice or make medical decisions for you
- Control or take over your birth
- Try to talk you out of accepting medication if you feel it is necessary
- Attempt to convince you to breast feed your baby if you do not wish to
Postpartum Doulas
When new mothers have support at home in the early weeks after delivery, the risk of postpartum depression further diminishes, and breastfeeding success increases. Healing from birth and learning to take care of a newborn baby might otherwise be overwhelming.
Most families are miles apart, and friends, neighbors and spouses are working. The wise women of the family are unavailable to teach the new mother about breastfeeding and baby care, help with other siblings, and to keep things in order at home. With the support of a doula after baby comes home, the transition from pregnancy to motherhood is more manageable.
Links
www.dona.org
www.dascdoulas.org
www.birthplan.com
www.blueribbonbaby.org
www.hypnobirthing.com
www.clearmindhypnotherapy.com
www.askdrsears.com
www.kidshealth.org
www.pregnancyandbaby.com
Recommended Reading
- The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth, by Henci Goer
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, Revised and Updated: The Complete
Guide, by Simkin, Whalley, Keppler
- Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method, The Breakthrough Natural Approach to
Safer, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing, by Marie Mongan
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