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What is a doula?
The term doula comes from a Greek word meaning servant, most likely the woman who helped the lady of the house with childbirth. Today the word represents a professionally trained woman who is experienced in childbirth and provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth.
Birth Doulas and Postpartum Doulas
The Doula Group provides a unique service in that we specialize in continuity of care. All of our doulas provide both labor and postpartum support to your family.
Birth Doulas specialize in addressing a woman’s emotional and physical needs during labor so that she can have a safe and satisfying childbirth. Click here for a list of specific Birth Doula services that we provide.
Postpartum Doulas specialize in supporting the family during the postpartum period. Studies have shown that proper support of the family during the postpartum period speeds the mother’s recovery, aids in the bonding of family and baby, and decreases the chances of postpartum depression for both parents. Click here for a list of specific Postpartum Doula services that we provide.
Birth Doulas
Quality labor support is an essential component for achieving a rewarding birth experience. Many studies show that when women feel secure during labor they are able to have shorter, easier and less complicated births with little to no medical intervention. Labor doulas know how to help a woman feel relaxed, protected, and nurtured during labor and birth, thereby helping the mother achieve the birth experience that she and her partner envision.
Benefits of having a Birth Doula:
Having a doula present for labor and delivery has a significant impact on the use of pain medication. Women who labor with a doula and desire a natural delivery are more likely to avoid pain medication. However, if a woman does choose to use pain medication a doula can usually help her postpone it until she is further along in her labor. This allows her to use optimal body positioning throughout early labor, which may encourage the baby to get into the best possible position to be born. Optimal body positioning and postponement of epidural lowers the chance of cesarean section and assisted delivery, giving the family a better chance at the birth they desire.
Labor support can affect the relationship between a mother and her baby in a positive way. Childbirth professionals agree that quality emotional support throughout labor and birth is a vital factor that can strengthen the emotional ties between mother and child. This is a significant finding, which shows that when a woman is emotionally nurtured during labor a model of care has been established. The new mother can respond and care for her baby in ways similar to how she was cared for during the labor and birth by her doula and partner.
Having a doula assist with the birth helps to reduce the pressure that the partner may feel during labor and birth. The doula can demonstrate how to use comfort measures or provide information so that the partner will not have to be concerned about remembering everything. For the partner who wants to be the woman’s primary support the doula will have a less active role. Doulas will assist in any capacity that is wanted. This allows the partner to feel comfortable with his/her participation level and makes sure that the needs of the laboring woman will be met.
Studies show that doula support duing birth can result in:
50% reduction in caesarean section rate
25% decrease in length of labor
30% decrease in use of forceps
40% decrease in use of pitocin
60% decrease in use of epidural anesthesia
30% decrease in use of narcotic pain medication
Postpartum Doulas
Bringing home a newborn is a joyful and exciting time in families’ lives. This happy time also represents a profound life change that can bring with it many new emotions and challenges. Many parents find themselves wanting the support, guidance, and care of an experienced postpartum doula to help with the transition into parenthood. Postpartum Doulas are there to help make the postpartum experience as smooth as possible by providing education, non-judgmental support, companionship, and assisting with newborn care and family adjustment. Studies have shown that proper support of the family during the postpartum period speeds the mother’s recovery, aids in the bonding of family and baby, and decreases the chances of postpartum depression for both parents.
Benefits of having a Postpartum Doula:
Postpartum Doulas offer breastfeeding support during the first days after birth because assistance at this time is critical to developing and establishing the breastfeeding relationship. For most moms a few suggestions and a lot of encouragement can make a huge difference. Doulas help to minimize uncertainty and stress by helping you understand a good latch and showing you comfortable positions to hold your baby. Learning to feed your baby and developing an abundant milk supply can be a beautiful, fun and rewarding experience.
Postpartum Doulas provide non-judgmental support and research-based information so families can develop their individual parenting style. By offering education, support, and guidance, we strive to enhance your own ability to care for your baby because you are the expert at meeting the needs of your baby.
Postpartum Doulas help parents to get the rest and nourishment they need so they feel emotionally and physically ready to support each other and care for their baby. We will show you many coping skills and infant soothing techniques that will make the daily care of your baby more manageable. We also specialize in providing nutritious meals that are delicious and comforting. Our doulas love to cook and are happy to follow the recipes you choose. |
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