We hired a Doula

After much consideration, Sharon and I hired a doula this week to be present at our birth. 

 

What is a doula?

 

A doula accompanies a woman in labor, mothers the mothers, takes care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.

 

What are some benefits of hiring a doula?

 

The presence of a Doula

• reduces the overall cesarean rate by 50%
• reduces the length of labor by 25%
• reduces the oxytocin use by 40%
• reduces the pain medication by 30%
• reduces the the need for forceps by 40%
• and reduces the requests for epidurals by 60%.

Doula support enhances the well-being of mothers and babies, leads to fewer medical interventions in the process of labor and delivery, and saves money for individuals and medical providers.

(Mothering the Mother-Marshall Klaus M.D., John Kennell, M.D. and Phyllis Klaus, M.Ed., C.S.W)

 

I already feel a weight lifted off my shoulders since we hired Stacey.  I think she will be great in the delivery room and will be helpful for both Sharon and myself.  She will help us with labor positioning and labor with us at home before we go to the hospital.  That will be nice because I've heard of so many first time mommas going to the hospital too soon. 

 

Read and post comments