Whatzadoula?!
This
article will include a rundown of the benefits of a doula at each type
of birth so that interested parties may take the information and apply
it to their personal situation.
What is a doula?
A
doula is a non medical birth professional trained to support mothers
(and spouses!) throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum.
Doulas do not generally check cervical dilation, blood pressure, fetal
heart rate, or anything clinical. They do provide information, teach
the parents about coping techniques, help prepare a birth plan, and
support and advocate for the mother through her labor and delivery.
Why hire a doula?
Studies have shown that people who hire a doula have:
- 50% reduction in cesarean birth
- 30% reduction in requests for pain medication
- 60% reduction in request for epidural
- 25% decrease in length of labor
- 30% decrease in use of pitocin
- Reduction of medical cost
- Increased satisfaction with birth
- Increased breastfeeding success
- Less risk of postpartum depression
How much does a doula cost?
The
cost of a doula varies largely in different regions of the US. It can
be as little as $300 (for doulas who are training and trying to gain
experience) or as much as $2,000.
Benefits of a doula for a cesarean birth:
If
you are having a repeat or scheduled cesarean birth, you may think that
you do not need a doula to be there for you. The fact is that women
undergoing this type of birth DO need doulas! Doulas can give you
information and support regarding natural or family centered cesarean
birth, stay with you through the (often referred to as “lonely”)
recovery time when spouse and baby aren’t with the mother. They can
talk the mother through the process and be a rock for the couple when
they are heading into the delivery room. If the mother wishes, the
doula can support her by advocating for her birth wishes with the
hospital staff and even document everything with a timeline and photos.
Mothers who have had cesarean birth report greater overall satisfaction
when they hire a doula due to the fact that they do not feel lonely in
recovery, and the doula educates and supports them every step of the
way.
Benefits of a doula for medicated (IV narcotics or Epidural) birth:
The
benefits of having a doula for a medicated birth are astounding. The
fact is that epidurals and pain medications do not always do their job.
A good doula always does. If your pain medication does not do what
it’s supposed to do, a doula will give you the support and information
you need to work with your body, shorten your labor, and meet your baby
as soon as possible. Another benefit of having a doula for a medicated
birth is that once you have an epidural or pain medication, you are
generally in the bed. This leads to the baby not descending in the
pelvis in an ideal way, or the labor being prolonged. After your
epidural, your doula can show you how to comfortably change positions to
aid in good fetal positioning and a shorter pushing phase of labor.
She will make you as comfortable as possible during the transition
phase when nausea, shakes, and general discomfort set in, and coach you
on how to most effectively push. She will teach your husband/partner
perineal massage techniques in order to reduce or eliminate the risk of
tearing. She will advocate for your wishes throughout the birth and
assist you postpartum in any way you need.
Benefits of a doula for a natural unmedicated childbirth:
There
are countless benefits to having a doula for a natural unmedicated
childbirth! Your doula will be able to walk with you, encourage you
when the going gets tough. She will remind you of your choices and why
you wanted the type of birth you chose. She will support you mentally,
emotionally, and physically. She can suggest things to help speed your
labor up and make you more comfortable. She will advocate for you with
staff and family if need be. She will teach your husband about
counterpressure, position changes, physical support and many other
things. She will be present for you at every stage of labor and guide
you through transition. She will help you stay in control of your
breathing and body and rejoice with you when you finally meet your baby.
Benefits of having a doula postpartum:
Many
mothers have said that they can’t put a price on the benefits of having
a postpartum doula. She will help with nursing, take care of older
children and/or the baby so mom can get a bit of rest, help with things
around the house. She will answer all of the “Is this normal?”
questions and help new parents feel confident and educated in their new
role.
There
are so many more benefits to having a doula than what I have listed
above. Although I have only been doing this for a year, I’m certain
it’s my calling. When you interview a doula, BE SURE that she is doing
this job because it’s a privilege to be present for the birth of a
child. She should be passionate and dedicated to you and your partner.
She should know that this is what she is supposed to be doing with her
life. The experience of a doula matters MUCH less than her passion for
supporting mothers during their journey. Please feel free to ask any
questions you may have regarding birthing with a doula.
.
Written by: Amanda Stump-Owner of Work Of Heart Doula Service (Pregnancy/Labor and Delivery/and Postpartum Doula). Amanda resides in NC, and is the mama to 2 wonderful kids. For more info on her doula services, please visit http://www.workofheartdoulas.com/
