MODERN DOULA

What is a Doula? Many women and their partners wouldn’t think of heading into their birth without a doula as part of their team. The term “doula” (pronounced “doo-la”) comes from the ancient Greek language for “a woman who serves,”. A trained birth doula is hired by the mother (and her partner, if applicable) to provide continuous emotional, physical and informational support to a birthing woman and her family. Many research studies and reviews over the past few decades find that doula support during labor helps reduce interventions (including cesarean sections, forceps and vacuum deliveries), shortens the duration of labor, increases breastfeeding rates and raises overall birth satisfaction. You can use a doula whether you plan on giving birth in a hospital, a birth center or at home.

Why hire a Birth Doula?

10 Reasons why? 1.DOULAS ARE FULL OF INFORMATION 2. THEY NEVER LEAVE YOUR SIDE 3. REDUCE LABOR TIME 4. REDUCE REQUESTS FOR EPIDURALS 5. REDUCE C-SECTION RATES 6. YOU CAN HAVE A MORE SATISFYING BIRTH EXPERIENCE7. THEY CAN HELP YOUR PARTNER SUPPORT YOU8. HELP WITH BREASTFEEDING9. SUPPORT THROUGH PREGNANCY, LABOR, AND BEYOND 10. THEY ARE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK

The statistics on doulas are amazing. Studies have found that having a doula can greatly help your labor. Women who hire doulas experience: 50% reduction in Caesarean deliveries25% shorter labors60% reduction in epidural requests30% reduction in forceps deliveries Six weeks after delivery, research has shown that women who hired doulas experienced less anxiety and depression, more confidence with their baby and more satisfaction with their partners. Just For PartnersReasons a doula is for you, too- Labor often lasts a long time. Having a doula may give you a few minutes to rest, eat, and use the restroom- Taking care of a laboring mother is a two person job. Tasks such as helping the mother to the bathroom and keeping her comfortable can be difficult alone.- The primary care provider (doctor or midwife) does not remain with the mother continuously through labor. Doulas do and will provide relief in reassuring that everything is normal and going well.