Why use a doula?
Aside from the numerous benefits stated on my homepage, there are many more reasons. Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.
Doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We offer reassurance, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.
Continuous emotional support for laboring women is becoming an essential component to improving the quality of maternity care and increasing satisfaction with birth services.
What is it like having a birth doula assist you in labor?
Everyone's experience is different, of course, but here's one woman's unique story of a doula supported labor:
"Hiring a doula is like hiring somebody who's there just for you. Even though I'm more conservative, my doula's earth-mother manner was very reassuring. When I went into labor, she met us at our home. I wanted to labor at home as long as possible, before going to the hospital. When my husband and I decided it was time to go to the hospital, the doula came to the hospital to continue the support. Eighteen babies were born in the hospital that day, so our labor and delivery nurse was quite happy to have someone else there to help look after me."
"Having the doula gave me enormous confidence, plus it took the pressure off my husband. He was able to relax and enjoy the experience. The doula stationed him at my back and showed him some acupressure techniques. She locked eyes with me and helped me breathe through my contractions, making suggestions about moving around and trying different pain management techniques. She could read my body signals perfectly, she knew when I was in transition (when I got sick, a pan magically materialized), and she helped me remember to drink fluids."
"When it was time to push, the doula locked eyes with me again, which was absolutely critical. My doula also helped me learn the art of breastfeeding. I couldn't have done it without her. She made me fearless: The lack of fear is what gets you through the pain without drugs. I had complete confidence in her, whereas if I had been looking at my husband and saying, 'Help me through this,' it just wouldn't have been the same."
Can I contact a birth doula too soon or too late?
By Marla Lukes, CD(DONA)
It is never too early or too late to hire a doula. I once received an e-mail from a woman who was not even pregnant yet. She was thinking way ahead about the decisions she needed to make about hospital, caregivers, and labor support. Once I got a call from a woman who was a week overdue and had just heard about doulas from a friend. The down side to waiting is that sometimes a doula brings new information and perspective to childbirth.
What if I have a cesarean?
If you are having a cesarean, a doula is a great help. Your doula will help you be as informed as possible about the surgery and the post-partum recovery.
If your caregiver suggests a cesarean at some point during labor, your doula will guide you in asking questions that will help you gather necessary information about the reasons your caregiver recommends a cesarean, the risks and benefits relative to your particular situation, and any alternatives you may have. In this case, you will likely make an informed decision and will therefore be more satisfied with a surgical outcome. She will also help to reinforce that even though a cesarean may not have been your goal, you are still giving birth. She will celebrate with you, facilitate closeness between the new family, and photograph the baby's first moments.
Other ways in which a doula might help with a cesarean section, planned or unplanned, include:
�Assisting in relaxation during the administration of the spinal or epidural;
�Video taping or photographing the birth;
�Facilitating closeness between the new family;
�Staying with mom while the surgery is finished when baby and mom's partner go off to the nursery;
�Relaying information to mom about the baby;
�Helping mom with the initial breastfeeding;
�Sharing information about recovery.
Can a doula help me avoid a repeat cesarean?
Absolutely! Doulas are especially important if you are planning a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) because she helps you avoid the interventions that increase your likelihood of having another cesarean birth.
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and
it's not that birth is painful.
It's that women are strong."
Laura Stavoe Harm
