Celebrated BIRTH- doula care.

doula care.

What is a doula?

The word doula comes from the Greek language and translates, “female servant.” A doula provides continuous care for the laboring woman and partner, and helps them fully experience their birth by offering physical and emotional support. She is trained to understand the natural process of birth, respect its spiritual, physical, and emotional aspects, and help facilitate the birth experience. A doula can provide prospective, make suggestions for labor progression, coach in relaxation and positioning techniques, and provide encouragement for the laboring woman. The support of a doula contributes to the well being of mother, baby and father-before, during, and just after birth.

Why should I use a doula?

Research studies reveal the presence of a doula can lead to a:

• 60% decrease in use of epidurals
• 50% decrease in cesarean sections
• 40% decrease in use of pitocin
• 30% decrease in use of pain medications (narcotics)
• 30% decrease in use of forceps

In addition, long-term benefits of a doula include, but are not limited to:

• Improved breastfeeding
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Greater maternal satisfaction
• Better mother-infant interaction

A doula can educate parents on the choices they have during childbirth and provide evidence-based research that will aid in making informed decisions.

The most recent systematic review of continuous labor support summarizes the experiences of nearly 13,000 women who participated in 15 randomized controlled trials. The authors conclude:

Continuous support during labor should be the norm, rather than the exception. All women should be allowed and encouraged to have support people with them continuously during labor (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).

What kind of care can I expect if I choose to use a doula?

A doula stays with you throughout labor. According to your wishes, she may be close to you, if not in actual physical contact, nearly all of the time. She offers comfort measures such as cool cloths, massage, and handholding. She gives emotional support, including reassurance, encouragement, and honest praise. She can suggest ways to improve progress or ease discomfort. She can explain what is happening or interpret what hospital staff have said. She can also help you communicate your needs to hospital staff and support decisions that you and your partner have made. A doula looks after your partner as well, acting as a resource and guide and making sure your partner's needs are met. As desired, these needs may include finding helpful ways to support you.

A doula will meet with you before labor to learn your personal preferences, priorities, or concerns, and stays with you until an hour or so after the birth of your baby to help get breastfeeding started. They are also also available before labor and in the days after the birth of your baby to provide information, reassurance, non-medical advice, and, when appropriate, referrals.

I’m planning on birthing in a hospital; should I use a doula?

Many of us are intimidated in medical institutions, especially when we are the patient in that institution. In addition to the continuous physical and emotional support, a doula can also help parents understand what doctors, midwives, and hospital staff are talking about. Doulas can also help you avoid medically unnecessary interventions and make sure you are aware of your options/alternatives. She can remind and support parents in asking questions and stating their concerns or preferences. She is a knowledgeable lay person who will stay focused on the mother and partner's needs throughout the birth. Even if choosing anesthesia, a doula will provide support throughout the birth, as well as the immediate postpartum period.

Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?

No! A doula is supportive to both the laboring woman and her partner. Some couples wonder if having a doula will disturb the privacy and intimacy of labor and birth; in fact, a doula can help to protect privacy and create an intimate atmosphere in a busy, institutional setting. She plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth. A doula can ease the stress and anxiety some partners feel about the birth journey.

Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?

A doula does not make decisions for parents or intervene in a woman's clinical care, as she is not a health care professional. She will not speak to medical staff on your behalf, but will support parents in their discussions with medical professionals. A doula will help parents get the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Does a doula provide medical care?

No. A doula does not provide medical care, such as blood pressure monitoring, fetal heart checks or vaginal exams. She is not a health care professional and does not perform any clinical procedures. A doula supports both OB/GYN and Midwifery care and can help parents in creating a birth plan to discuss with their medical professional.

What factors most contribute to a woman's satisfaction in childbirth?

In considering whether to make arrangements for labor support, it may be helpful to consider results of research about satisfaction in childbirth. A systematic review of the best available research (Hodnett 2002) finds that the following four factors make the greatest contribution to a woman's satisfaction in childbirth:

having good support from caregivers
having a high-quality relationship with caregivers
being involved in decision-making about care
having better-than-expected experiences, or having high expectations.

Arranging for labor support may make a big difference in your satisfaction!
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(Selected excerpts gathered from www.toLabor.com, www.childbirthconnection.org, and www.DONA.org. Statistics from Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus; Addision Wesley Publishing Company, 1993).

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