This one is for R's sister J, who is due in November. Page 296 of WTEWYE* asks, "What exactly can a doula do for you?"
Ah, an excellent question. First, let's find out what a doula is.
A doula is a woman trained as a labour companion who is hired to support the mother-to-be during pregnancy. According to the book, "her primary role is to offer continuous emotional and physical support during labor, as well as help with relaxation techniques and breathing exercises, advice on labor positions, massage, hand holding, pillow plumping, and bed adjusting." At first, I am tempted to wonder if I would be so terrible at pillow plumping and hand holding that I could not be relied upon to shoulder some of these responsiblities.
The book has foreseen my insecurities (on page 297): "Though an expectant father may fear that hiring a doula will relegate him to third wheel status, this isn't the case." That is a relief. I do not want third wheel status.
Now we know what a doula does -- but there's still more! The doulas claim to provide very significant benefits. According to Doulas of North America (DONA), women supported by a doula during labor have been shown to have:
- 50% reduction in cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 30% reduction in analgesic use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
I'm not surprised at these numbers, since I'll bet doulas tend toward natural birth techniques. They probably sway a lot of parents away from epidurals and analgesics. I bet they also strike fear into the hearts of doctors, too. Having a doula around, questioning everything, probably makes the doctor think twice about any decision to employ a scalpel or forceps. All that, and you get the benefits of a shorter period in labour.
For more information or to locate a doula in your area, contact Doulas of North America: (206) 324-5440; www.dona.org.
Or, as the book says, go for the low-cost (ie: free) doula: a female friend / relative who has gone through pregnancy and delivery herself. The level of service may be lower, but the price is fantastic.
There it is J, get yourself a doula. If it's your mom, make her wear a nametag that says "Doula" on it.
*What To Expect When You Are Expecting.
3 comments:
That's a picture of an assortment of happy doulas, I assume.
My last comment was anonymous cause I thought I needed a web page for "other". Couldn't figure it out as fast as you Helen! After Kena talked about her friends having doulas, I asked "What is a doula?" and ended up training with DONA to become one. Even after having experienced three unmedicated births I feel much better prepared to attend births of any kind. A doulas job is to meet with the couple ahead of time to learn what they would like from the experience, prepare a birth plan and help educate them as to what to expect from any unexpected circucstances. Doulas attend home, unmedicated or medicated hospital births and also c-sections. A doula makes no decisions for the couple, just helps them achieve their desired experience. And who wouldn't want it to be as enjoyable as possible! (I've heard it described as "delicious!") A doula is trained in techniques to shorten labour, provide comfort measures (maybe suggest additional things partners can do for mom - they support partner as well, never take their place!), be a leison between couple and medical personnel(not interfere!)& provide emotional support to mom & partner (even go get food, etc - whatever she can do to help achieve what the couple wants). A doula will stay until nursing (if desired) has been established and couple and baby are settled into what is refered to as the "babymoon" bonding time. A doula will follow up over the next few weeks to answer questions etc. That's a labor & delivery doula. There are also postpartum doulas who can provide light cooking and housekeeping. I know it sounds like things mothers and sisters and friends can also provide. My advice would be to have any woman who is going to attend you through labor, delivery and postpartum take some doula training! Mom, partner and attendee would all greatly benefit! It's all about having women adding that special feminine energy to the experience while encouraging and supporting what the mom needs from her partner. Helen are you interested?
Well, I was going to tell you Maxine just trained to be a Doula, but she has already told you that. I had never heard of them! Maybe they help, and maybe they don't, I sure don't know. And I'm not a DR either, so don't know how they would feel about it. I'd sure ask my DR first before hiring one. Hope Maxine gets some good clients that pay well! She really is sold on it.
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