| Having a Doula Assisted Birth has Proven to: |
- Reduce cesarean rate by
50% - Reduce the length of
labor by 25% - Reduce Pitocin use by
40% - Reduce the need for pain
medication by 30% - Reduce the requests for
epidural by 60 % - Increase mom’s self image
- Increase satisfaction in
the birth experience - Improve the relationship
between mom and
partner.
(Information provided by
Mothering the Mother, Klaus,
Klaus, and Kennel)
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| Questions about Doulas |
| Why would I need a Doula? A Doula is a woman who attends to the birthing family before, during, and just after the birth of a baby. She is specially trained to provide emotional support for the family as well as offer information regarding birth choices. The Doula acts as an advocate, coach, and support person for the laboring woman and her family. Regardless if you are planning to have no medications or an epidural, a doula provides additional support that many moms and families find irreplaceable. |
| A Doula does not replace your partner but is another member of your birth team. Having a Doula often times eases the anxiety your partner might feel about the labor experience. Because there is someone there to assist your partner, someone who has the experience of other births and a deeper knowledge of the birth experience, partners are often able to better assist you without fear or anxiety. Partners often say that the birth experience was more enjoyable because they could focus on the mom and not worry about procedure or technical terms. |
| What Does a Doula DO? your partner in developing a birth plan, talk about past birth experiences, discuss how A Doula can help you determine pre-labor from true labor, offer emotional support, and, at the woman's request, can come to her and assist her. * Provide consistent, continual care * Provide support for the woman's partner labor * Assist the mom and partner into helpful laboring or comfort positions * Provide a safe and comfortable environment where Mom feels secure and confident * Provide Mom and her partner with information about birth options. A doula works cooperatively with the entire health care team, including mom, dad or partner, nurses, midwifes, and doctors. |
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