What's A Doula?
The word "DOULA" comes from the greek meaning "A woman who serves". A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor/delivery, and postpartum care. Many people have the misconception that a doula replaces the husband during the L&D process, and this is simply not true.Doulas are simply there to help everyone work together. A doulas goal is to give the client a satisfying experience, and to help empower them. Doulas can attend births in hospitals,homebirths, and birth centers. Doulas give natural remedies during labor to avoid medical intervention. The benefits of a doula include the following:
-Fewer Caesarean sections
-Reduction in the use of forceps/vacum
-Fewer epidural requests
-Reduction in the use of synthetic oxytocin for inductions
-Reduction in labor length
-Increased breasfeeding rates
-Higher self esteem, less anxiety, and less postpartum depression.
Why Natural Birth?
If you're anything like me then you like to plan ahead and be in control, especially when it comes to your medical care. A lot of women have the misconception that labor and delivery is scary, which leads to anxiety. Childbirth should NOT be scary and women should have the opportunity to have a relaxing birth filled with joy and happiness, rather than fear and anxiety (this is where a Doula comes in handy). Women are often given unnecessary medications which drug their babies, often making the labor and delivery process more lengthy and unpleasant.Epidurals also increase the chance of perineal tearing, and increases the chance of C-section by 2.5 times. Theres a chance of medical intervention with medications, and increase pelvic floor problems. For baby, any kind of medication administered to you is also put into the baby at equal levels and sometimes more levels as the mother. Not to mention it can affect breasfeeding success. Every mother is different, and some mothers may decided that an epidural is right for them, and theres nothing wrong with that. My goal as a Doula is to support you and your decisions during pregnancy so you can have the best birthing experience.
What If I Want Medication?
Every woman out there is different! Sometimes the natural birth we planned on and wished for turns into an emergency C-Section, and we are forced to use drugs. Thats OK. My goal as a Doula is to help you find whats best for you along with your midwife, and help you accomplish your goals whether its to have no drugs at all, or a completely medicated birth.
