What is a Doula?
A doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous emotional,
physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and into the
first few weeks of parenthood.
What does a doula do?
A doula’s main goal is to assist a woman in having an informed, supported,
and self-empowering birth experience. She assists during labor by meeting
you at home or hospital when you need her and stays with you throughout your
labor and birth. A doula is trained in ways of relaxation such as massage
and breathing techniques. She can suggest ways to help you be more comfortable
during your labor.
Why do I need a Doula?
A doula is there for you and your family continuously throughout your labor.
She does not have shift changes, paperwork, or other clients to care for.
She is there specifically to assist you on this memorable day when you have
your baby.
Studies have shown that having a doula may help shorten labor, reduce the
need for medications to speed labor, reduce the need for major intervention
such as forcep or cesarean section. She uses non-medical techniques to
aid you during labor.
My partner/Mom will be there. Do I still want
a doula?
A doula’s aim is to assist all friends and family in helping the laboring
mom. She has been trained and has experienced many different kinds of births,
so is able to provide information, support, and care to all family members.
My doctor and nurse will be there. Do I want
a doula?
A nurse is with you from the time you enter hospital if you are having
your baby there. A doula is with you from the time you call, at your home
or elsewhere. A nurse is often busy with other patients, paperwork, or has
breaks and shift changes. She is your main source of clinical support. Your
doctor checks in with the nurse to see how you are doing but often will
appear at the end of your labor. A doula is with you continuously and can
be a valuable resource for bringing all members of the birth team together
in helping you have a wonderful experience.
I’ve had a c-section. Can a doula help me have
a VBAC?
A doula is very valuable in helping you with a VBAC. She can inform you
of ways to avoid another c-section and be there to help you fulfill your
wishes. A doula cannot give you direct medical advice and will always urge
you to ask your physician questions you may have.
I plan on having an epidural. Do I still want
a doula?
Studies have shown that an epidural can slow labor, increase the chance
of interventions such as c-section and forceps, and may have lasting side-effects.
Doulas can help you lessen these risks. A doula can also help you cope with
your labor until the time you choose to have an epidural.
How do I find a doula?
Several of the local hospitals may have information for finding a doula.
Kettering Medical Center, Good Samaritan, and Franciscan have doula programs
set up and others are in the planning stages. Most doulas work independently
and rely on word of mouth for clients. You can contact me to get more information
or referrals. Local midwives associations or care-finder groups can also
help you find a doula. The DONA website
can help you find a doula all over North America.
A DOULA...
*recognizes birth as a key life experience a woman remembers for the rest
of her life.
*understands the emotional needs of women during childbirth
*assists a woman and the people in her life prepare and carry out their
plans for the birth
*stays with Mom throughout her labor
*provides confidential, objective support and information, allowing a woman
to make her own choices for the birth of her baby.
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