What is a Doula?
The doula world is slowly becoming more and more popular, especially with the way our world is currently going; pandemic, healthcare shortages etc. So many families are starting to turn towards home births or know that they will need the extra set of hands during their stay at the hospital.
So… what is a doula anyways?
We are professionally trained in labour and delivery and will provide emotional, physical & educational support to help women have a positive birth experience. While we are a wealth of information in many aspects of labour, we do not provide medical care.
During labour we are always close by to help provide comfort with pain relief techniques, such as breathing, relaxation, massage and support for various labouring positions.
As your doula, I will act and your advocate, by informing & empowering you to make the decisions for you and your baby. This may include supporting your decisions regarding care, providing positive encouragement, affirmation & validation.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
Studies have shown that a person that was supported by a doula during labour reported:
- Labour & birth was less painful
- Felt more in control of birth
- Felt less anxiety after birth
- Felt increased self-confidence
- Increased incidences of breastfeeding at 6 week postpartum
- Lower incidences of postpartum depression
- Improved relationships with their partner
Studies show…
- 9% drop in use of pain medication
- 31% less use of Pitocin
- 34% fewer negative birth experiences
- 40 minutes shorter labour
- 28% few caesareans
- 12% more spontaneous vaginal births
- Higher Apgar scores
- Increased breastfeeding with prenatal & postpartum doula care
As your doula I will…
Provide you with information and help you earn the process of birth so that you can make choices that align with your values. Listen to you with compassion and respect he decisions you make for you and your baby. It is your body, your baby, your birth. Help you feel prepared for all kinds of outcomes knowing that if your body or baby need assistance you have not failed. Offer my full support during your moments of vulnerability and celebrate you in your moments of strength.
I will also be your biggest cheerleader! You can do this! I believe in you!
