 | What is a Doula? |  |
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What is a Doula? A Doula is a childbirth support person. She has knowledge and experience in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Her primary role is to attend to the laboring woman and provide emotional, physical, and informational support to both the woman and her partner during this time. |
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Benefits of having a Doula Women have many complex needs during childbirth. While modern obstetrical care covers the safety of mother and baby, many women feel that their emotional and intellectual needs are left uncared for. A doula can address these needs by providing compassionate non-judgmental emotional support through reassurance, encouragement, and respect .A doula can also provide accurate information, allowing the couple to make informed choices. She also facilitates communication between the birthing woman, her partner, and her caregivers . Since a Doula is trained and experienced in childbirth, she can also provide comfort measures such as: breathing, relaxation techniques, positioning, and massage. |
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More Benefits,… There have been many studies on the benefits of having a doula present at births. Having a constant supportive companion through out the entire labor and birth process reduces feelings of anxiety which creates a positive reinforcement of her capacity to birth. Having a Doula has shown improved outcomes: shorter labor, decrease use of cesareans, epidurals, oxytocin, and forceps. Most importantly, a Doula provides the support and comfort through out the birth and labor process that no one else can provide . |
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