4/17/2018 0 Comments Why hire a birth doula?In the history of humans there have been many birth guardians along the way who have studied, collected data, traveled, and practiced to unlock the mysteries of pregnancy labor and birth. Ina May Gaskin, Penny Simkin, Grantly Dick-Read, Sarah Buckley, are just a few of the standouts from my bookshelf. Through work and observation it became the life work of these birth-ologists to foster successful births and that a successful birth meant more than just a healthy baby. It means a whole experience. Birth days are and should be a profound day that begins a new journey of who everyone will become from this point on. These birth experts have consistently analyzed what practices and behaviors support the happiest healthiest deliveries and lasting positive memories of the birth. It is in this spirit and with the knowledge that has come long before us, that a doula operates. It is the work of the doula to unlock the particular formula to guide each individual family through their birth journey. Doulas know that preparation (both mental and physical), confidence, support, happiness, comfort, and safety are essential to a healthy birth experience, and they know how to replicate that in any environment.
The word doula originally comes from ancient Greek and meant, “woman who serves” (and other variations) while this is still true, the definition of a birth doula has evolved today to, “a trained professional who gives continuous physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to expectant clients, during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. “ After receiving comprehensive training a doula learns to follow a strict scope of practice to best support their clients. Doulas believe in informed choice and do not impart opinions. A doula will help you to feel strong and empowered as you begin your journey into parenthood. It is now widely recognized that the addition of doula support has an overwhelming positive impact. A Cochrane review updated in 2012 compiled data from 22 trials of 15,000 women whose birth experiences included women who had different kinds of continuous support during labor or none at all. The results undeniably showed that parents who had continuous support, especially from a doula, were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, c-sections or negative feelings about childbirth. Other benefits include an increased chance for a positive birth experience, better maternal self esteem, higher breastfeeding success rate, increased natural pain management and less stress from unnecessary outside forces. Dr. John H. Kennell said it best when he coined the phrase “If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” How will a doula fit in with your birthing team? While a doula is predominantly there to serve the birthing person, the doula can also be a wonderful calming resource for the the entire birthing family and team. A doula can direct a partner to be supportive in the most helpful ways, while helping the partner feel informed, confident and part of the experience. Your partner knows you and your doula knows birth, together they can really form a super team. Doctors midwives and nurses will also be helped by a doulas attentiveness and caring for their clients basic needs. You'll find that your doula will be a pro at fitting right in and in unifying the team of everyone involved in this glorious day. Birth days are the best days!
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