What is a Doula? Benefits of Hiring a Doula & Creating a Birth Plan
The word "doula," comes from the Greek word for the most important female servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother) A Doula's job is to.. Recognize birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth Stay by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor Provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers Perceive her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience More on a Doula's role Benefits of Hiring a Doula The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants. 50% reduction in cesarean rates 25% shorter labor 60% reduction in epidural requests 30% reduction in analgesia use 40% reduction in forceps delivery What does Dana the Doula do? During delivery, I am in constant, close proximity to you at all times. I provide comfort with natural pain relief techniques such as breathing, massage, laboring positions, reassurance, and guided visualization. My goal as a doula is to help mothers have a positive and safe birth experience, whether at home or in the hospital, whether she wants an un-medicated birth or is having a planned cesarean birth. I also aim to empower you, providing reassurance and trust in the power of your body during your pregnancy and birth. After the birth, I will spend a short time helping you begin the breastfeeding process and encourage bonding between you, your partner and your baby.