FAQ's...
Why choose a doula? There are numerous benefits of labor support to the birthing woman and her family. Studies have shown that women report greater satisfaction with their birth experiences and greater satisfaction with their partners after the birth when a doula is present. Studies have also shown that the presence of a doula decreases complications, lowers the rate of interventions, and improves the bond between mother and baby. In addition, breastfeeding is enhanced and obstetrical outcomes are improved. Some studies also demonstrate that women report greater self esteem after birthing with a doula present. Many fathers report enjoying their child’s birth more when a doula is present. When a father is not solely responsible for providing all that his partner needs, he may be more relaxed and feel less pressure. Having a doula there to provide information to him can also help alleviate fears and concerns he may have for his wife and child. The purpose behind providing labor support is to empower each woman to have the best possible chance of having the kind of birth experience she wishes to have. According to the DONA position paper, the purpose of labor support is to provide for the non-medical psychosocial needs of women. A labor support person can provide something in addition to the companionship offered by her partner or the medical care offered by her doctor. The doula’s purpose is to support, encourage, and empower the laboring woman.
The doula has many roles in providing labor support. The first area is to provide information. This may happen prenatally as well as during, and immediately following the birth. While the doula does not provide medical advice, she may assist the pregnant or birthing woman in finding the answers to her questions and the information she needs to make her own decisions. Providing information can also include things like ideas for position changes during labor. It can also take the form of helping her understand what is happening to her body while she is in labor as well as reassuring her when she questions whether or not things are normal. Lastly, doulas often provide information to fathers and other family members regarding ways they can support the mother. Second, the doula provides emotional support. This can come in a variety of ways. Sometimes it is sitting quietly with a woman. Sometimes it means providing continuous verbal encouragement, affirmation, and praise. It can be reminding her that she is safe and that she is surrounded by people who care for her and her baby. It is reminding her through words and touch that she is not alone. Next, the doula provides physical comfort measures. This may include rubbing her back, giving her sips of water, getting cool cloths for her head, fanning her when she is hot, getting her a warm blanket if she is cold, rubbing her feet, leading her in visualizations, helping her concentrate on her breathing, applying counter pressure, or physically supporting her as she stands. Doulas do not at any time perform any medical procedures.
Finally, doulas provide support by facilitating communication. She does not speak for the mother, but encourages open communication between the woman and her partner as well as between the woman and her medical team. This may mean helping the mother clarify if she has questions for her medical team before she makes any decisions. The doula may also encourage the mother to ask for explanations regarding medical necessity for procedures that the mother may be apprehensive about. Doulas help promote a positive birth experience for the mother and her family. Doulas make a wonderful impact on the world by supporting families as they begin their lives together. When should I hire
a doula? At
what stage of my labor do you arrive? What
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“A doula enters the space of a laboring woman and is highly responsive and aware of her needs, moods, changes, and unspoken feelings. She has no need to control or smother. Every pregnant woman should have the benefits of a doula. This person does not detract from the role of the baby’s father or co-parent, by the way. A doula enhances it and leaves him free to do the very important job of loving the mother. “ Christianne Northrup M.D. in her book Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom.
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