What is a Doula?
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Doula is a Greek word meaning “women’s servant.” Originally, a Doula was the highest slave or servant in the household. One of her most important duties was to help the lady of the house through childbirth. |
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Today, the term Doula has come to mean a woman professionally trained in childbirth who provides information and support to a woman and her partner through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. |
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Doulas may also use the terms labor assistant, birth assistant, or labor companion. |
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What does a Doula do?
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Doulas fill a large gap in the care of pregnant/laboring women. They can: |
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Provide information and education to parents about their options in childbirth. |
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Assist the parents in developing a birthplan to help ensure they achieve the birth the parents desire. |
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Provide continuity of care for laboring women. The Doula can be a constant presence and reassurance during hospital shift-changes. |
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Provide comfort measures for the mother and emotional support to both the mother and her partner. |
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Why hire a Doula?
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Studies show that having a Doula present during labor and birth decreases: |
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Length of labor by 25% |
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Epidural use by 60% |
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Cesarean birth by 50% |
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Pitocin use by 40% |
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Narcotics use by 30% |
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Forceps use by 30% |
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Doulas use breathing, touch, massage, positioning, and other comfort measures to reduce pain and relieve stress and anxiety during labor. Many women have reported having a more satisfactory birth experience with the assistance of a doula. Doulas help increase: |
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The mother’s satisfaction with her birth expereince. |
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The rate of successful breastfeeding. |
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The partner’s confidence and satisfaction with level of participation |
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The mother/infant bonding process. |
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The Doula and the Partner
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Some partners fear the doula will take over their role at the birth. But, the Doula is there to provide support to the mother’s partner as well! The Doula can help relieve the pressure and stress that partner’s often feel. She can help the partner participate at a level their most comfortable with. |
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The Doula and Pain Medication
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It is a common misconception that Doulas discourage the use of pain medication during labor and delivery. While it is often true that Doulas value natural, unmedicated birth as the safest option for mother and baby, doulas do not make the decisions for the mother. It is the Doulas job to educate the mother and her partner about their options, and then to support the choices they make. A good Doula will not let her own ideals interfere with the support she provides to the mother. |
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What if I know I want an epidural?
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The doula can use natural methods to relieve pain during labor. However, if a woman is sure she wants an epidural, a doula can help maximize the benefits and minimize some of the side effects of pain medication. The doula can also offer emotional support and encouragement to the mother and partner regardless of if pain medication is used. |
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