Hiring a doula is ONLY worth it if:
*YOU WANT TO BREASTFEED
*YOU WANT TO BOTTLEFEED
*YOU WANT ALL THE DRUGS
*YOU WANT NO DRUGS
*YOU WANT TO WAIT + SEE
*THIS IS YOUR
FIRST PREGNANCY
*THIS IS YOUR
LAST PREGNANCY
*YOU WANT TO HAVE
A VAGINAL BIRTH
*YOU WANT TO HAVE
A CESAREAN BIRTH
*YOU HAVE NO PARTNER
*YOU HAVE
A SUPPORTIVE PARTNER
*YOU HAVE
A PARTNER WHO IS NERVOUS
YOUR FAMILY
LIVES CLOSE OR FAR AWAY
*YOU'RE
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION
*YOU'VE
READ ALL THE BOOKS +
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
*YOU WANT TO GIVE BIRTH AT
HOME, A BIRTHING CENTER
OR AT THE HOSPITAL
DOULATOOTHERS.COM
"She met with us at our house and we went over many things including the questions I had. She left a belly ball, printed handouts and a long piece of fabric to help with labor. She stayed in touch with both of us all through my pregnancy. Always checking in to see if we needed anything or had any questions. When it was finally time to deliver, she was there and ready. She set a relaxing mood with a string of lights and was available to massage me. She was full of words of comfort. She stayed the entire time...She stayed to meet baby Easton and she was so happy and proud. After that, she checked in with me via phone and text. She came over for a visit and brought us a few gifts! It was very comforting to have her there and I would certainly recommend her to other couples." ~Client
Having a Doula:
Their Benefits and Purpose
...
What is a doula?
A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a (birther) who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help (the birther) have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.
Most often the term doula refers to the birth doula, or labor support companion. However, there are also antepartum doulas and postpartum doulas. Most of the following information relates to the labor doula. Doulas can also be referred to as labor companions, labor support specialists, labor support professionals, birth assistants, or labor assistants.
What does a doula do?
...
During this period, they develop a relationship in which the (the birther) feels free to ask questions, express (their) fears and concerns, and take an active role in creating a birth plan.
Most doulas make themselves available to the (birther) by phone in order to respond to (their) questions or address any concerns that might arise during the course of the pregnancy. Doulas do not provide any type of medical care. However, they are knowledgeable in many medical aspects of labor and delivery.
During delivery, doulas are in constant and close proximity to the (birther). They have the ability to provide comfort with pain-relief techniques including breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, massage, and laboring positions. Doulas also encourage participation from the partner and offer reassurance.
A doula acts as an advocate for the (birther), encouraging and helping fulfill specific desires (they) might have for (their) birth. The goal of a doula is to help the (birther) experience a positive and safe birth, whether an un-medicated birth or a cesarean. After the birth, many labor doulas will spend time helping (the new parent) begin the breastfeeding process and encouraging bonding between the new baby and other family members.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. With the support of a doula, (the birthers) were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. (Birthers) also reported having a more positive childbirth experience.1 Other studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.2 Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John Kennell, massage helps stimulate the production of natural oxytocin. The pituitary gland secretes natural oxytocin to the bloodstream (causing uterine contractions) and to the brain (resulting in feelings of well-being and drowsiness, along with a higher pain threshold). Historically it was thought that intravenous oxytocin
does not cross from the bloodstream into the brain in substantial amounts and, therefore, does not provide the same psychological benefits as natural oxytocin. However, more recent studies indicate that oxytocin administered nasally and/or intravenously may cross from the bloodstream into the brain. Nonetheless, doulas can help mothers experience the benefits of oxytocin naturally without the use of medication.
What about the (partner's) role when using a doula?
The role of the doula is never to take the place of...partners in labor, but rather to complement and enhance their experience. Today, more (partners) play an active role in the birth process. However, some
partners prefer to enjoy the delivery without having to stand in as the labor coach.
By having a doula as a part of the birth team, a (partner) is free to do whatever (they choose). Doulas can encourage the (partner) to use comfort techniques and can step in if (yhey want) a break. Having a doula allows the (partner) to support (their) partner emotionally during labor and birth and to also enjoy the experience without the added pressure of trying to remember everything (they) learned in childbirth class!
Are doulas only useful if planning an unmedicated birth?
The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. Many (birthers) report needing fewer interventions when they have a doula. But be aware that the primary role of the doula is to help (birthers) have a safe and pleasant birth–not to help them choose the type of birth. For (birthers) who have decided to have a medicated birth, the doula will provide emotional, informational, and physical support through labor and the administration of medications. Doulas work alongside medicated (birthers) to help them deal with potential side effects. Doulas may also help with other needs where medication may be inadequate because even with medication, there is likely to be some degree of discomfort.
For a (birther) facing a cesarean, a doula can be helpful by providing constant support and encouragement. (Sometimes) a cesarean results from an unexpected situation leaving a (birther) feeling unprepared, disappointed, and lonely. A doula can be attentive to the (birther) at all times throughout the cesarean, letting (them) know what is going on throughout the procedure. This can free the partner to attend to the baby and accompany the newborn to the nursery if there are complications.
What about other types of doulas?
In addition to labor doulas, there are antepartum doulas and postpartum doulas. Antepartum doulas provide support to a (birther) who has been put on bed rest or is experiencing a high risk-pregnancy. They provide informational, emotional, physical, and practical support in circumstances that are often stressful, confusing, and emotionally draining. Postpartum doulas provide support in the first weeks after birth. They provide informational support about feeding and caring for the baby. They provide physical support by cleaning, cooking meals, and filling in when a new (birther) needs a break. They provide emotional support by encouraging a (birther) when (they feel) overwhelmed. Some doulas have training in more than one area and are able to serve as more than one type of doula.
http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/
*Gender focused words were changed by Doula Odessa & Birth Services*
