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Doula Services
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Doula Services
What is a Doula? A doula is someone who has been trained, certified and who has practical experience in the processes involved with pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas are also known as Labor Support Professionals and Childbirth Assistants. How Can a Doula Help Me? The primary purpose of a doula is to provide support, as well as comfort to the parents during the birth process. During labor, I will be there to provide you with natural pain relief, such as massage, positioning, and relaxation & breathing methods. My goal is to enhance the experience of birth for both the parents, not to take away the role of the father/coach. The Role of Dad in the Birth Process Often times the role of the doula is misunderstood by the father, and leads to the fear that they will be replaced in the birth process. It is important to know that no one is able to replace the father in the important role they play. A doula is there to function in a supporting role to both parents, not to replace dad. By helping to make sure that the needs of both dad and mom are met, it enables him to be more active and involved in the birth process. The doula also functions to reassure the parents of what is a normal part of labor. The experience of the doula can help ease fears and anxiety, as well as relieve dad of some of the pressure associated with his role. Does Having a Doula Really Make a Difference? Yes, studies have shown that using a doula during labor & delivery can produce valuable results, such as rate reductions of: 50% for cesarean section 50% for epidural requests 30% in oxytocin use 30%in analgesia use 40% in forceps delivery 25% shorter labor.*
* Statistical Source Ch. 3 - Mothering the Mother - How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth
by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus;
© 2012 Birth, Baby & Beyond |