What is a doula?
A Doula is a woman experienced and professionally trained in labor support. They provide praise, reassurance, comfort measures and companionship, The word "doula" is derived from the Greek and means "a woman who serves". Doula's perform no clinical tasks, nor do they assist with traditional nursing functions. A Doula does not perform medical tasks, nor do they assist in the actual physical act of birth.
Why should I hire a doula?
According to Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth, by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993), having a doula can give you a:
50% reduction in cesarean rates
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
Reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
What are the benefits of having a doula during my labor?
From the DONA website (www.dona.org):
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth
tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have less postpartum depression
Have lower incidence of abuse
To sum it all up, Why take unnecessary risks? Hire a doula!
