Why Should I Hire a Doula?

Are you on the fence about hiring a doula?  After reading the below statistics and how a doula helps during labor, you may jump off the fence!
       

Statistics When Using a Doula

• 50% decrease in cesarean sections
• 25% decrease in the length of labor
• 30% decrease in use of forceps
• 40% decrease in use of oxytocin
• 60% decrease in use of epidurals
• 30% decrease in use of pain medication
• Improved breastfeeding
• Increased time spent with baby
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Lower birth expenses
• Increased satisfaction with birth experience

How a Doula Helps During Labor

• Suggest different positions to help labor progress and the mother to be most comfortable
• Help in mental visualization and focus through contractions
• Be with the mother at home or in the hospital
• Anticipate labor’s change as it progresses and help prepare the mother
• Help the mother conserve energy through contractions
• Remind mother of her birth plan as situations arise that may deviate from it
• Support the couple together without taking over the role of the father – adjusting to how much he is involved
• Helping the father or other birth partner to be a support for the mother and make decisions when he is unsure of how to best be there for her… labor and the hospital environment are very foreign situations
• Support during difficulties that may arise by suggesting positions or breathing patterns that may help
• Helping the couple know their options and understand pros/cons of medical interventions into the normal processes of labor
• Work with the medical staff to foster a positive team environment
• Remain calm and strong through stressful times
• Help explain what is happening in the medical environment, especially if things are moving quickly and staff must focus on their work
• Help the couple get time from medical staff to discuss their options in private; help think of or get suggestions of alternative actions
• Offer massage or other physical support to help the mother stay relaxed, confident and focused
• Serve as an extra “brain” to calmly think with the mother to protect her and help her not be overwhelmed by the environment, decisions to be made, or her labor
• Remind the couple to ask questions of their caregivers so they receive all the necessary information to make their own decisions
• Work with medical staff at the birth to see that the couple’s birth plan desires and family bonding experiences are honored
• Stay by the mother while medical staff come and go – as consistent presence giving emotional and physical strength through a very vulnerable time
• Help protect the sacredness of birth as a natural, not medical, process
• Support parents in their decisions for labor, birth, and the care of their newborn
• Encouragement during contractions to help you keep strength and focus
• Able to read the mother’s responses to contractions to provide appropriate support