Belly, Birth & Bond
What is a Birth Doula?
"Doula" is an ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves" and now refers to a trained and experienced person who offers a pregnant women and her family physical, emotional and practical support throughout her birthing journey. This includes before, during and after birth.
A doula understands the importance of a woman's birth story and believes in "mothering the mother". By doing this she is supporting the woman to have the most empowering and satisfying birth experience she can. This will also help the rest of the family to enjoy the journey.
A doula understands the importance of a woman's birth story and believes in "mothering the mother". By doing this she is supporting the woman to have the most empowering and satisfying birth experience she can. This will also help the rest of the family to enjoy the journey.
The Special Role of a Doula
A doula is trained to support and advise on a wide range of physical labor techniques such as breathing, relaxation, visualisation, movement and position change.
A Doula provides continuous labor support something that may not be available in a hospital as end of shift equals new care provider/midwife.
A doula provides informational support and guides the mother in her birth choices ultimately affirming her decisions.
A doula is not trained to perform any kind of medical procedures, she cannot make any medical decisions or give medical advice. She is not a midwife, nurse or doctor, however her training is very comprehensive and includes learning about pregnancy physiology, common medical interventions and terminology used by medical professionals. This gives her the skills to translate and explain to the mother what is happening during her pregnancy and labor and helps to relieve any worries or concerns her and/or her partner may have.
Research is not needed to acknowledge the feeling of ease and confidence we get when others are present to hold our hand along paths untrodden and guide us home again and to support us during times of great struggle and growth to witness our strength and power. This is the special role of a doula.
A Doula provides continuous labor support something that may not be available in a hospital as end of shift equals new care provider/midwife.
A doula provides informational support and guides the mother in her birth choices ultimately affirming her decisions.
A doula is not trained to perform any kind of medical procedures, she cannot make any medical decisions or give medical advice. She is not a midwife, nurse or doctor, however her training is very comprehensive and includes learning about pregnancy physiology, common medical interventions and terminology used by medical professionals. This gives her the skills to translate and explain to the mother what is happening during her pregnancy and labor and helps to relieve any worries or concerns her and/or her partner may have.
Research is not needed to acknowledge the feeling of ease and confidence we get when others are present to hold our hand along paths untrodden and guide us home again and to support us during times of great struggle and growth to witness our strength and power. This is the special role of a doula.
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it"
- John H Kennell
Benefits of Having a Doula
A women is at her most vulnerable and raw state during child birth. Having the right support at this time can not only shorten a woman's labor, decrease the need for pain relief and other interventions and lessen the risk of complication it gives the women a sense of satisfaction. if done gently and by the right person a woman may even enjoy her birth (DONA)
The following statistics show the benefits women experienced when they had a doula providing them with continuous labor support.
The following statistics show the benefits women experienced when they had a doula providing them with continuous labor support.
- 31% decrease in the use of pitocin
- 28% decrease in the risk of Caesarean Section
- 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 9% decrease in the use of any medications or pain relief
- 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care unit
- 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with their birth experience
"A trained labor companion can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier birth"
- Klaus & Kennell
- Klaus & Kennell
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