"What is a Doula and how can she help me?"

Embarking on one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives a couple has fantasies about what the labor and delivery of their baby will be like.  It is an overwhelming experience, much like a wedding.  You spend months preparing and daydreaming about it.  During the labor and birth, time proceeds at its normal pace, however for the parents to be, time seems to move at a hectic chaotic speed.  For this reason having someone there to help slow things down to a calming pace is helpful.   How would you like to choose your ideal birth experience, have as much physical and emotional support as you need, know you are making informed decisions, wishes adheared to with respect and care, and have someone there to make you feel safe? All of these things are possible!  As your birth Doula, I will help you by facilitating all of these things.   I tailor all of my services based simply upon each individual and family.  Not every pregnant woman will have the same wishes.  At the prenatal visits, I will learn about what you and your partner desire at the birth.  Fulfilling your needs is my primary goal.

In the simplest of terms, a doula is a woman who is a trained professional who provides information, physical and emotional support for the family before, during, and after the birth of the baby.  However, she does so much more than that. She remains with mom throughout labor and birth, and is completely focused on the mother's needs for physical comfort and also emotional encouragement. Labor and delivery nurses care for multiple patients and have the responsibility to care for the laboring mother and their unborn child. The doula's only job is to provide physical and emotional support to the mother and father. She is there throughout any nursing or physician shift changes.  She helps the mother feel confident, gives assurances in mom's ability to give birth, provides massage and other comfort/pain management techniques, and assists with laboring and pushing positions. A doula can also give informational support from her knowledge of birth and medical interventions, and protects the mother's choices and rights without judgment. I provide support throughout the pregnancy.  I come to you whenever you wish once labor is established and stay with you throughout your birth being your one-on-one companion. During your labor my goal is to help you relax and focus, ensure that your birth plan is adhered to as much as possible, help you make informed decisions, support your loved ones, and maintain a quiet and calm birthing environment. A doula does not take the father's place at birth; she brings experience and confidence, while the father provides strength and love. I can allow a spouse to take a much-needed break to eat or rest.  Giving birth can be stressful not only on the mom but on the father of the baby as well.  Watching a love one uncomfortable or in pain can be very scary.   A doula can model behaviors to help the Dad know how to better help his wife in labor.  Sometimes loved ones will think that due to knowing some comfort measures added assistance by a doula is not needed. However, this can place the family members in a predicament when labor is for a first time mom or lengthy. They must meet their own needs for food and restroom breaks without leaving the mother alone.    Other family members may not be comfortable or confident with their active role in natural labor.  Most people have never witnessed labor/birth or even seen on television a true account of natural labor and do not have an understanding of what this entails.  Sometimes, loved ones do not share their concerns regarding the birth for fear of sounding weak or non-supportive which hinders their ability to completely commit to mom's birth plan. Hiring a doula allows the loved one to choose the level of participation and work from their own comfort level.  For some clients, the doula runs errands to gather materials or information and only takes a more active role when the family member needs a break. For others, the doula makes suggestions of things to try and helps the family members learn effective ways to talk to and touch the laboring mother. Still others may be most comfortable with the doula providing the most physical support, while the family members run errands or perform simple tasks. This allows the loved one to remain stronger as the pressure of labor builds.  The doulas continued presence helps her guide the laboring mother through the emotional and mental challenges of childbirth. A doula does not make any decisions for the mom or family.  After the birth of your baby, I assist in helping you carry out your plans regarding how you would like your baby cared for and be on hand to aid in the first breastfeeding if needed.  I will stay with you for at least two hours after the birth to make sure that you and your loved ones are settled in comfortably with your new baby.

Affects of having a Doula Supported Birth:

• Shorter Labor
• Women report feeling a high level of empowerment during Labor/Delivery
• Women report a greater satisfaction in their childbirth experience
• More positive assessment of their baby

The Presence of a Doula at Birth overall Reduces:

• Cesarean rate by 50%
• Length of labor by 25%
• Oxytocin use by 40%
• Pain medication by 30%
• Need for forceps by 40%
• Requests for epidurals by 60%
• Incidences of maternal fever
• Number of days newborns spent in NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit)

Long-term benefits:

• Improved breastfeeding 
• Increased time spent with baby
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Resulted in more positive maternal confidence during labor which carries over into a more positive experience for the newborn
• Resulted in more positive newborn health

Klaus and Kennel speculate that the presence of a doula had a beneficial effect on the emotional state of the mother, resulting in a decrease in stress hormones.  This relaxed state allows uterine contractions to be more effective and reduces the occurrence of compromised uterine blood flow.  This leads to an easier birth and a faster recovery after birth.

“. Studies show that when a doula is present, women have less painful labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer Cesareans, and healthier babies.  Recent evidence suggests that when a doula provides support, women are more satisfied with their experiences, and the mother-infant interaction is enhanced for as long as two months after the birth.  Doula support has been found to have a positive effect on a couple's relationship as well...." Anne Deans, Your Pregnancy Bible

A Note For Fathers or Birthing Partner:
The birth of your baby is an intense wonderful experience to share with the mom.  But it is difficult to remain objective and calm when mom is uncomfortable, anxious, and fearful.  Your desire to help actively participate in the birth is important to her.  With everything going on around you both, just remember to offer mom your care, love, your sense of connection with her, and the responsibility you both share in bring your baby into the world.  It will mean the world to her!