Why use a Doula?
In nearly every culture throughout history, women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth. In both Western and Non-western societies, there are many artistic representations of women supporting the birthing woman. In addition to the midwife, women who hold and comfort the mother are always depicted. The modern Doula is a manifestation of these women who comfort the birthing mother. The Doula's goal is to help a woman to have a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman herself defines it. Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth. The Doula's role is to provide physical, emotional and informational support to women and their partners before and during labor. A doula helps the woman and her partner to understand her various choices including the risks, benefits and precautions or interventions for her safety. Doulas can help maximize the benefits of pain medications while minimizing their undesirable side effects. The comfort and reassurance provided by a Doula is beneficial regardless of the use of pain medication.
The Doula plays an essential role in helping the woman's partner support the woman during labor. She can make suggestions as to ways he can effectively comfort his loved one. The doula can give the partner confidence to participate in the birth at his own comfort level.
Why have a Doula?
Laboring women have a variety of non-medical psychological needs. The Doula helps ensure that these needs are met while enhancing communication between the woman or couple and the medical staff. Research has shown that women who have a Doula express increased satisfaction with all aspects of their labor.
In the 1970's, when Drs. John Kennet and Marshall Klaus studied ways to enhance maternal- child bonding, they found by accident that introducing a Doula into the labor room improved the bond between mother and infant as well as reducing the incidence of labor complications. Since then, many studies have been conducted worldwide which duplicate their findings.
Some of the benefits of continuous Doula support in labor are: 1. Reduction in pain medication by 35%: Reduction in the use of oxytocin augmentation by 71%: Reduction in the use of forceps by 57%: Reduction in cesarean section by 51%: Reduction in the length of labor by an average of 98 minutes.
Given the benefits of labor support, all laboring women should have this support, not only from family members but also from trained caregivers. This support should include the continuous presence, hands on comfort and encouragement that a Doula can provide. The medical staff does not have the time to hold the laboring Mother's hands, give massages, explain what is going on and maintain a constant friendly presence. These are the activities trained Doulas provide.
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