Why hire a doula?
“IF A DOULA WERE A DRUG, IT WOULD BE UNETHICAL NOT TO USE IT.”
JOHN H. KENNELL, MD.
Since they aren’t busy with the medical side of things, doulas are able to provide uninterrupted emotional support to moms and their families during labor and delivery. A doula cares for your whole person - she is just as concerned with your fears, hopes, and past experiences as she is with how quickly you are progressing. This care often leads to shorter, more peaceful labors with better medical and psychological outcomes for the mother, baby, and partner.
DURING BIRTH
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 and cesareans
Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Increases the APGAR score for the baby
POST PARTUM
In the weeks that follow birth, women continue to need care, encouragement and reassurance as they adapt to life with their newest little addition(s). Doulas are experienced in the postpartum period of a woman’s life and prepared to offer individualized care based on the woman’s circumstances and preferences.
Research shows parents who receive support can:
Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have less postpartum depression
Have lower incidence of abuse
Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
HIRING A DOULA MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN LABOR AND BEYOND
