A birth doula is a person trained and has experience in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes? Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth:
*tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications *reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience *reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction *reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans.
The most common concern that most couples have with hiring a Doula is that they are scared that I will take the place of the husband or nursing staff. I do not take the place of either one, both are needed and welcomed. Having a Doula at your birth lets the husband be involved in the level they are comfortable with. The more positive support you have the better!
I am there to support your decisions and if a problem happens to come up it is good to have someone there that is YOUR advocate and that is not emotionally attached, someone that can take a step back and see what your options are. Bottom line is, I am THERE FOR YOU.
