Ok...so what is a
birth doula anyway?
dou.la
n. A woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to
her, the infant, and the family after childbirth
So, basically a doula
is there to provide support...before labor, during and after delivery. Support is for the
birthing "family" not just the laboring woman.
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Doulas and Partners
Why have a doula if
you have a partner that will be there at the birth?
There are several reasons:
- Doulas bring a
wealth of experience and knowledge with them. Many have been trained
in acupressure and comfort techniques...a doula can give partners tips on
pressure points/comfort measures so the partner can be more effective.
- Partners can get
tired during a long labor, a doula can be there to give partner a needed
rest.
- Labor can be
overwhelming for loved ones at times, a doula can help keep everyone
focused at the task at hand and remain calm.
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Doulas make a
difference!
The research has shown that having a
doula at your birth can make a real difference to the outcome....
- The risk
of an emergency cesarean is reduced
- The chances of other interventions happening
are also reduced, such as: episiotomy and assisted delivery
- How a mother interacts with her baby, her
satisfaction with her birth and her relationship with her partner are all rated
significantly higher with women who have had a doula compared to those who have
not!
