WHAT IS A DOULA?
PROFESSIONAL LABOR SUPPORT,
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
&
MOTHERBABY SUPPORT SERVICES
THROUGH THE CHILDBEARING YEAR.
A doula is a non - medical childbirth professional, trained and experienced in labor support, evidence based pregnancy and birth, and postpartum and breastfeeding support.
Some of the benefits of a doula include:
-Shorter labors
- Fewer complications
- Reduced cesarean rates
- Less need for intervention, such as Pitocin, epidurals, and forceps delivery
- Babies and mothers have more breastfeeding success
- Babies see shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to NICU
- Overall women & families have a better birth experience
THE AMERICAN CONGRESS OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNECOLOGISTS (ACOG) RECOMMENDS DOULAS AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE AGAINST PRIMARY CESAREANS!
"Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. A Cochrane meta-analysis of 12 trials and more than 15,000 women demonstrated that the presence of continuous one-on-one support during labor and delivery was associated with improved patient satisfaction and a statistically significant reduction in the rate of cesarean delivery. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.”
http://www.acog.org/Resources_And_Publications/Obstetric_Care_Consensus_Series/Safe_Prevention_of_the_Primary_Cesarean_Delivery
"What does a doula do?"
Throughout your pregnancy, a doula can help you plan and prepare, providing evidence based resources and information.
This gives you a better chance at preserving your own autonomy, advocating for yourself, and having a good birth experience.
During your pregnancy, your doula is one of the most beneficial sources of information.
She can point you in the direction of up to date and evidence based information, and help you tailor your birth plan to fit your family and your decisions.
Your doula will be on call for you for your due period, 24/7. Anytime before labor, you can contact your doula with questions, concerns, things you forgot to ask your doctor, or things you didnt expect. Your doula is on call via phone text and email, throughout your pregnancy.
When you are ready to have your baby, your doula can help you figure out if labor has begun, when to leave, what to look for, who to call, and what to do.
In labor, your doula will make sure you and your partner dont have to lift a finger. She will know what might help you at the right moments, and what may not. She will help you manage the uncomfortable feelings, the bodily fluids, and the pain. Your doula knows how to recognize distinct stages of labor and clues to what might help you best, and she can offer touch and comfort in a way that is both compassionate and intuitive.
Your doula can do many things, like take photos, and help you begin breastfeeding.
She can help you understand components of your care, as your work through your labor.
She can help you communicate your needs with staff.
She can help your partner, help you.
She is essentially your servant and liaison.
Doulas are not medical professionals.
Doula supported cesarean. Photos by Brittany Ortiz
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