A doula is not a doctor, a nurse or a midwife. A doula is non-family member who is dedicated to the comfort of the mother and birthing partner.
When I went into labor for the first time, I expected a lot from the hospital and nurses. I expected them be with me during my time of labor and I expected my doctor to be with me during most of my labor. I was very wrong. Although my nurses and my doctor were excellent, I was unaware of how alone my husband I were during labor and contractions. Thankfully, my husband is a birthing coach champ and we got through all five births together. However, there were instances at each birth that I look back and I wish that I had more information and more one on one care from a trained professional.
Intermittent moments of fear, uncertainty, and sometimes even sheer panic during delivery have brought me to believe that having a trained Doula would have significantly quelled my fears and enhanced the beautiful experience of birth.
My husband and I knew we didn't really want our mothers and family in the room with us. We wanted a quiet intimate birth with our new addition. What I didn't realize is how many questions I'd have to ask and how many answers I'd have to give in the process. It would have been helpful to have a person that was totally dedicated to what my husband and I wanted. Although you have that at each appointment with your doctor, they will not be present until it is time to push.
Have you thought about what will happen with you and the baby after you give birth?
Will the baby be taken from your room for long periods of time, to be bathed, weighed, blood drawn, ect?
Will you be able to move around and be made comfortable during your labor?
There are so many questions to be answered before you arrive at the hospital or at your birthing center. With a birthing Doula, you will know the questions to ask before you go into labor and you will have the information you need to achieve the birthing experience you have envisioned.
I assumed that birthing doulas were only helpful to women who were having a natural birth. But you will see that all women who give birth will have questions, fears, needs and times of uncertainty.
Why would you need a birth doula?
When I went into labor for the first time, I expected a lot from the hospital and nurses. I expected them be with me during my time of labor and I expected my doctor to be with me during most of my labor. I was very wrong. Although my nurses and my doctor were excellent, I was unaware of how alone my husband I were during labor and contractions. Thankfully, my husband is a birthing coach champ and we got through all five births together. However, there were instances at each birth that I look back and I wish that I had more information and more one on one care from a trained professional.
Intermittent moments of fear, uncertainty, and sometimes even sheer panic during delivery have brought me to believe that having a trained Doula would have significantly quelled my fears and enhanced the beautiful experience of birth.
My husband and I knew we didn't really want our mothers and family in the room with us. We wanted a quiet intimate birth with our new addition. What I didn't realize is how many questions I'd have to ask and how many answers I'd have to give in the process. It would have been helpful to have a person that was totally dedicated to what my husband and I wanted. Although you have that at each appointment with your doctor, they will not be present until it is time to push.
Have you thought about what will happen with you and the baby after you give birth?
Will the baby be taken from your room for long periods of time, to be bathed, weighed, blood drawn, ect?
Will you be able to move around and be made comfortable during your labor?
There are so many questions to be answered before you arrive at the hospital or at your birthing center. With a birthing Doula, you will know the questions to ask before you go into labor and you will have the information you need to achieve the birthing experience you have envisioned.
I assumed that birthing doulas were only helpful to women who were having a natural birth. But you will see that all women who give birth will have questions, fears, needs and times of uncertainty.
Studies have shown
that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications,
babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
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Statistics showing the importance of a birthing doula:According to a summary of the findings of a study done by Drs. John Kennell and Marchal Klaus of over 15,0000 women who were supported by doulas:
- 28% were less likely to have a cesarean section
- 31% were less likely to use synthetic oxcytocin to speed up labor
- 9% were less likely to use any pain medication
- 34% were less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively
