Doulas are an additional support. They do not have medical training and instead focus on the needs of the mother, offering mental, physical, and emotional support.
Women who received continuous support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and were:
- 28% less likely to have a cesarean section
- 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor (Pitocin)
- 9% less likely to use any pain medication
- 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively
In addition, their labors were shortened by about 40 minutes and their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth.
*Position paper published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG)
No – I attend births at hospitals, birth centers, or at home. I firmly believe that there is no “wrong” way to birth. You get to decide what your needs are for your birth and I’m here to support you, whether that be a medicated, unmedicated, epidural, or cesarean birth.
Some worry that if they have their partner (spouse, other family member, etc) with them who wants to take more of an active support role, a doula then becomes redundant and might even interfere with their experience together.
My job as your doula is to work with your partner in supporting you, not to replace them. Together, we can create an environment where everyone’s needs are taken care of – your partner is able to step aside to eat, rest, and take bathroom breaks, knowing that you are never left without support. I also encourage them to participate at their own comfort level, and assist and guide them in effective ways to help you during your labor. My goal is to help you both feel confident and supported on such a monumental day in your lives.
As your birth doula, there are many ways I can provide comfort and support after an epidural is placed. I will help with:
- Position changes for your comfort and to keep labor progressing
- Comfort measures such as massage, cooling cloths, and managing temperature, lighting and music in the room
- Coaching through pushing
- Pain management techniques for placement of epidural and any breakthrough pain
- Advocate for you and facilitate communication between you and your provider. I am there to provide informational support and help you determine your options.
- Creating and maintaining your ideal birthing environment. I will continuously be by your side to help make your experience as peaceful and enjoyable as possible.
As a doula, I “mother the mother” by supporting them:
- Physically – breathing techniques, relaxation, comforting touch, movement, positioning, massage, counterpressure, and more
- Emotionally – continuous reassurance and comfort
- Informationally – I help advocate for their birthing preferences and facilitate conversation with their provider. I aim to keep them informed about their various birth choices and know what questions to ask