Most parents hire a doula because they desire more support during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. More people are becoming aware of doulas and what type of support that they can offer. They know and understand that a doula does not replace the partner but encourages the partner and labouring mother together, encourages their bonding during the birthing process and in no way shape or form wants to take anything away from anyone but enhance the experience.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of a birth doula during the process of childbirth. Evidence shows any woman having a baby can benefit from having a doula as an added coach, research has shown that using a professional doula will assist in:
- Shorter Labours
- Fewer Complications
- Reduction in cesarean procedures
- Reduction in pitocin use
- Reduction in epidural requests
- Reduction in other medical prevention such as forceps and vacuums
It has also shown to provide great benefits to the mothers directly such as:
- Increased satisfaction with her birth experience
- Less postpartum depression
- Shorter hospital stays
- Increased success of breastfeeding
Expectant parents have many reasons for hiring a doula that may or may not have anything to do with the research results. Perhaps they are:
- A desire for additional support during labour
- A history of a previous long or challenging birth
- A desire to achieve a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
- A single mother with no additional support
- An inability to use pain medications and must achieve a natural birth and needs the support of a professional to guide her through the experience
A common misconception is that the labour and delivery nurse will be providing the same type of support as the doula. Unfortunately with our health care system our nurses are tapped out with the level of support they can provide. Most nurses are absolutely wonderful and are there to offer medical support and advice; they will provide you with medical relief and will try their best to offer you emotional support when they can. They are there to support you, but you must remember there is a significant difference between a doula and a nurse. Your nurse is required to keep extensive records on all of her patients at the same time. It’s hard for her to be there just for you 100% of the time.
A doula is solely there to support you. As a doula, we are there for your individual needs and care. We will stay with you until the birth of your baby. Not only that, we are not strangers, we have built a relationship prior to the birth your baby and hopefully you are comfortable and trust your doula. We are there to guide and assist you through your labour.
~ Meagan
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