What is a doula
and why are they an important addition to your birthing team?
what doulas offer
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Emotional support
Doulas provide continuous emotional support, helping to alleviate fears, reduce anxiety, and encourage a positive mindset during labor and delivery.
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Physical Comfort
They offer comfort measures such as massages, breathing techniques, and positioning suggestions to help manage pain and discomfort during labor.
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Advocacy
Doulas act as advocates for the birthing person, ensuring their wishes and preferences are respected. They help facilitate communication between the birthing person and medical staff.
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Educational Resources
Doulas provide valuable information and resources about labor, delivery, and postpartum care, empowering families to make informed decisions.
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Shorter Labor Duration
Studies indicate that the presence of a doula can lead to shorter labors and reduced need for interventions, contributing to a more natural birth experience.
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Continued Support Postpartum
Many doulas also offer postpartum support, helping families adjust to life with a newborn by providing guidance on feeding, infant care, and emotional well-being.
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Personalized Care
Every birth is unique, and doulas tailor their support to meet the individual needs and preferences of the birthing person, which can enhance the overall experience.
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Companionship
A doula provides companionship, ensuring that the birthing person never feels alone. Their presence creates a calming atmosphere.
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Increased Satisfaction
Research shows that having a doula is associated with higher overall satisfaction with the birth experience, leading to a more positive memory of the event.
essentially, a doula is
an invaluable support partner who enhances the labor and delivery process, empowering individuals and families to navigate childbirth with confidence and comfort.
benefits of a doula
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31% Decrease
in the use of Pitocin to induce or augment labor
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28% decrease
in the risk of Cesarean birth
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9% decrease
in the use of any medication for pain relief
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14% decrease
in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
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34% decrease
in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
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12% increase
in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
Source http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/