What is a Doula?

site-pIw72w — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 22:07:50 GMT

And why are doulas an important part of the process?

A doula is a trained companion who is not a healthcare professional and who supports another individual (client) through a significant health-related experience, such as childbirth, miscarriage, induced abortion or stillbirth. Partners are equally comforted and reassured by the presence of a trained doula. A doula's role is never to replace the partner. We work to keep the partners even more involved in the labor and birth by offering ways they can help, and intuitively reading what the birthing person's needs are so that we can work with the partner to provide just that.

The doula's goal, and role, is to help the client feel safe and comfortable, complementing the role of the healthcare professionals who provide the client's medical care.

Countless scientific trials, compiled by The Cochrane Review , examining doula care demonstrate remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes for both mother and baby. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. The American Pregnancy Association has written a very in depth article on all the benefits of having a doula throughout your pregnancy.

W hy choose a birth doula?

Better pain management means less use of Pitocin
Less epidurals
Higher APGAR scores for baby
Fewer C-sections
Shorter labor
Less use of instruments like forceps and vacuums
More likely to have a vaginal birth
Have greater success with breastfeeding
More satisfaction with your birth
Feel secure and cared for
More successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have less postpartum depression