A doula's goal is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. From education to guidance, having a Doula can help you make the journey to parenthood easier on you and the father, regardless if you are a first time parent or this is your third birth!
Doula's provide:
Care during the pregnancy. Firstly, it's all about knowledge as power! Learning about what your goals and concerns are help you and your birth doula create a plan - for the pregnancy, for the birth, and even for postpartum care. We help create an in-depth birth plan according to your needs and your specific pregnancy.
Birthing Day care! From ensuring a soothing environment (really setting the scene with aromatherapy, music, and tools to help ease the labor), to breathing, relaxation, and massage techniques - we are with you every step of the way! Doula's are your advocate to maintain your birth plan, even in emergencies. We will have gone over possibilities (because things do happen, even with the best laid plans) that you are comfortable with and maintain your comfort throughout. 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 their support, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience. 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%. Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor.
Dad assistance! Dad's can get lost in the sauce when it comes to the birth and our job is to help dad participate and be a supportive partner. This maintains that dad's have no pressure during the birthing process other than to be emotionally comforting. We also advocate knowledge that dad knows how to help post birth too! Taking care of mom and baby is a big responsibility and we want to make sure you're all as comfortable as possible.
Postnatal care. From breast feeding to bonding time, doula's ensure you're educated and ready to take on this next chapter of life. Often this also means providing in-home care post birth! From cooking to cleaning, we make sure the family feels they are able to take a break and spend time with their newborn.
The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. Many women report needing fewer interventions when they have one. But be aware that the primary role of the doula is to help mothers have a safe and pleasant birth–not to help them choose the type of birth.
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