Did you know that...
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"When continuous labor support was provided by a doula, women experienced a:
31% decrease in the use of Pitocin* 39% decrease in the risk of C-section* 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth* 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief 38% decrease in the baby's risk of a low, five-minute APGAR score 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience* Shorter labors by 41 minutes, on average |
For most of these outcomes,* the best results occurred when woman had continuous labor support from a doula– someone who was NOT a staff member at the hospital and who was NOT part of the woman’s social network." Rebecca Dekker, "The Evidence for Doulas", Evidence Based Birth, March 27, 2013.
What is a doula?
The word doula is from the Greek word, doule meaning, "woman servant" or "female slave". The more modern version of this word is defined as "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth."
A birth or labor doula is described above. There are also postpartum doulas who act as a "living baby encyclopedia" for new parents, teaching and supporting them as they make the transition with their growing family. Please request information if you are interested in being connected with a postpartum doula in our area. Sweet Dreams is happy to recommend some of our local professionals.
A birth or labor doula is described above. There are also postpartum doulas who act as a "living baby encyclopedia" for new parents, teaching and supporting them as they make the transition with their growing family. Please request information if you are interested in being connected with a postpartum doula in our area. Sweet Dreams is happy to recommend some of our local professionals.
Is the doula the same as a midwife?
This is one of the most common questions that people have when first learning of a doula. In a nutshell, a doula is NOT medical in any way, midwives are. It's actually out of professional scope of practice to do anything medical. A doula does not deliver babies, nor check dilation, heart tones, or give medical advice. She can share evidence-based research, explain options that your care providers suggest, and alternatives you may or may not be aware of. She can provide physical and emotional comfort and relaxation techniques, and most importantly empower YOU and your partner to have the best birth that you can.
I will work as part of your birth team, with you, your doctor and/or midwife, and nurses...or any combination of those that you choose to have present. While most medical professionals work for only so long before someone else takes over their shift, as your doula, I will be there for your entire labor, birth, and about an hour or two after baby is born to assist with the first breastfeeding, and to be sure you are comfortable and ready for rest and new family time. I am your continuity for however long your journey takes.
I will work as part of your birth team, with you, your doctor and/or midwife, and nurses...or any combination of those that you choose to have present. While most medical professionals work for only so long before someone else takes over their shift, as your doula, I will be there for your entire labor, birth, and about an hour or two after baby is born to assist with the first breastfeeding, and to be sure you are comfortable and ready for rest and new family time. I am your continuity for however long your journey takes.
I don't want my partner to feel left out.
For some parents, this is a very valid concern. Let's face it, you two are a team! Your partner has had your back since you can remember, and wants to be the one supporting you and helping you through one of the most special days of your life. Now imagine late in your labor. Things get real. Your partner wants to help you and is fully there with you physically and emotionally except that everything that usually soothes you, isn't working. Instead of you both feeling helpless or frustrated, imagine a calming presence there, whispering suggestions of comforts that are often successful during specific parts of labor or explaining what is probably happening at that time and what to expect soon, so that instead of being afraid of what is happening, he or she understands and gains strength from it instead.
Whatever YOU need, I will do my best to provide it. Some partners like the tools to work with their partners alone, and the moms thrive from that. Some prefer to work as a team, and we create a dance of taking turns and working in unison to help comfort and support mom. Others love their partners just as much as anyone else, but prefer to be there as emotional support only, because maybe they aren't comfortable with "all things birth", and they appreciate that mom has a doula by her side, every step of the way. The goal is to make this a wonderful experience for you, whatever that may look like!
Whatever YOU need, I will do my best to provide it. Some partners like the tools to work with their partners alone, and the moms thrive from that. Some prefer to work as a team, and we create a dance of taking turns and working in unison to help comfort and support mom. Others love their partners just as much as anyone else, but prefer to be there as emotional support only, because maybe they aren't comfortable with "all things birth", and they appreciate that mom has a doula by her side, every step of the way. The goal is to make this a wonderful experience for you, whatever that may look like!
