Do You Need A Doula?
A Doula is not someone
who simply holds a laboring woman's hand. Doulas are trained and experienced
professionals who are invaluable to the woman and her partner in many ways.
You may benefit from Doula Services if any of the following
statements apply to you.
- You view childbirth as a natural occurrence rather
than a medical problem.
- Your support person wants to help you during
labor, but doesn't know how. (Doulas recognize the importance of support
people and help partners help the woman, rather than push partners aside.)
- You are without a support person.
- You are afraid of labor.
- You are concerned about the pain of labor.
- You would like to avoid certain medical
interventions, including a cesarean birth.
- You like the thought of having a knowledgeable
professional attend to you and only you continuously, throughout your labor.
Statistics show that Doulas have considerably positive effects on labor such as:
- 50% reduction in cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
Below are
additional statistics about the medical system and benefits to the mothers by
hiring a doula…
- 50% of the U.S. hospitals
obstetrics units are short staffed.
- The Medical Leadership Council
stated that the inability to provide continuous coverage to laboring women
could increase the chance of a cesarean birth.
- Women who are accompanied by a
doula in childbirth are more satisfied with their birth experience.
- Women who are supported by a
doula feel more confident and are more likely to interact closely with their
infants and are less likely to have postpartum depression.
Women are more likely to
initiate and continue breastfeeding and fewer newborns have complications.