A doula�s support is still invaluable.
A doula's goal is to help you have the best birth experience possible, however you define it. You still need continuous support even with an epidural. Once you�ve received the epidural, she will help you stay relaxed, offer information, and remain with you while your partner eats a meal or sleeps. She will be able to help you with pushing positions, (since it�s harder to push when you have an epidural), and assist with initial breastfeeding.
8 Reasons to Hire a Doula Even If You Plan to Have an Epidural
1. Most of the time the woman is required to do some laboring before an epidural can be administered.
2. Occasionally the anesthesiologist is unavailable for a period of time.
3. Sometimes a woman labors so quickly there is not time for an epidural.
4. Though the mother does not feel her contractions as intensely, she still has all the same emotions of a laboring woman.
5. Although epidurals are effective relieving pain most of the time, there are things your epidural can not do for you. Your epidural will not:
� Give you a massage
� Provide you with information about your options
� Get you ice chips
� Give your partner a break
� Be reassuring and nurturing
� Help you with breathing
� Help you with breastfeeding
� Take photographs
6. Doulas know many techniques that may lessen the adverse side effects of an epidural.
7. A Doula can be useful in the pushing stage, as the mother has decreased feeling and may need intense coaching and assistance with positioning.
8. Epidurals don't always provide 100% pain relief
If you choose an epidural, have a great epidural!
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and
it's not that birth is painful.
It's that women are strong."
Laura Stavoe Harm
