If you ask most women who have had children, giving birth is not described as "peaceful", "wonderful" or "pleasant". Having a baby was the most wonderful time of my life! I enjoyed it so much that I wish I could do it all over again and again. This is why I have decided to become a labor doula and teacher. I want to help other women enjoy the birth of their child as much as I did. I take my work very seriously and consider it a great honor and privilege to share such a beautiful occasion!
A labor doula "mothers the mother," that is, she does anything and everything a loving mother who is knowledgeable about childbirth would do. A doula is trained to understand the natural process of birth, while respecting your wishes as well. She encourages and comforts you, helps you to manage pain during childbirth, gives you information about what is happening to you, facilitates communication between you and medical staff and supports your decisions. She can remind and support you in asking questions and stating your concerns or your preferences to the medical staff. She makes suggestions on how you can best cope with labor and what will help labor progress smoothly. She rubs your back, wipes your sweaty face with cool cloths, holds your head should you vomit or helps support a leg during pushing. She gives physical contact and help throughout labor. She can take pictures as well, and she looks after your partner's needs and the needs of others you have brought with you. A labor doula does not participate in any of the medical aspects of your care.
* Labor is less painful
* Mother has more control during labor
* Improved breastfeeding
* Less chance of postpartum depression
* More self confidence
* Improved relationship with your partner
While your husband may be the most intimate and important person to you during labor, he may not have the knowledge, stamina, and skills that are useful during labor and birth. It also may be difficult for him to watch his loved one experience the normal pain of childbirth. While the doula can provide all of the support herself if needed, she is also trained to help your partner or family know how to help you. Often the doula and your partner work together to provide the continuous support you will need. The doula never takes the place of the partner, but can help the father to give his care to the mother. On the other hand, the husband may wish to sit back during the labor, and in that case a doula may take on the full role of the coach.
Having a doula at your birth significantly decreases the chances of needing drugs or other intervention.
60% reduction in epidurals
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
40% reduction in pitocin use
30% reduction in pain medications
30% reduction in forceps use
Although should you require medical intervention, a doula’s support is not only focused on managing pain during childbirth. She is your advocate throughout your labor and birth helping you and your family with any questions or concerns that may arise, helping you understand what your care providers are saying, and attending to your comfort and needs. Pain medication and/or anesthesia don’t always arrive at the exact moment you are ready for it. You may benefit from having a doula support you during contractions until you get the relief you are planning on receiving. Once you have received anesthesia, although you may not be feeling the intensity of the contractions, you are still having a baby. Your doula will remain with you throughout the birth, as well as the immediate postpartum period to support you and ensure that your and your family’s needs are being met.