Sounds like the words to a familiar song from the 80's, doesn't it! Corny, yes! Appropriate sentiment for a doula, absolutely! One of the frustrating aspects to being a new doula in a small town is that nobody knows what a doula is or why they would pay to have one present at their birth. After all, they have a partner who will be and do-all for them at their birth, comfortable and confident in the process of birth after attending their childbirth class, right? Also, there will be a nurse at hand and an Ob/Gyn there to coach them and comfort them as well. So why pay for someone else to be there?
Let me share a few reasons with you....
Your birth partner may not want the responsibility of being your sole source of comfort and medical knowledge during your birth! Many spouses and partners become overwhelmed and panicky when they witness their partner in pain/ discomfort. Some labors can be long and fatigue affects everyone's ability to cope and/or make good decisions. Many are uncomfortable in hospital surroundings.
Nurses are often looking after multiple laboring women and are responsible for charting their progress. They often do not have the time for coaching and comfort measures. Most nurses are compassionate and willing to lend a hand but seldom have the luxury of time to do so due to their caseloads. Until the birth is imminent plan on being on your own.
Doctors are generally not called in until it is time to catch the baby unless there is a medical risk involved.
It is not uncommon for the attending doctor to not even be in the hospital until the staff has notified him/her that labor has progressed sufficiently.
Your Doula:
**Gets to know mother and partner and their wishes for their birth and how they want to be supported.
**Is knowledgeable about the birth process and comfort and coping techniques to ease and facilitate the birthing process.
**Will be with you continuously so you are never left alone or unsupported!!!!
**Allows the birth partner to participate at their own comfort level and support their role however that is defined.
**Helps create a space for the parents to question procedures and interventions and make informed decisions on their care.
**Will not judge you our your choices. A doula understands it is your birth, your body, your choice!
Doulas are committed to creating strong families starting with a positive birth experience. Studies have shown that having a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.
We're worthy every penny, don't you think!
God Bless,
Suzann
Let me share a few reasons with you....
Your birth partner may not want the responsibility of being your sole source of comfort and medical knowledge during your birth! Many spouses and partners become overwhelmed and panicky when they witness their partner in pain/ discomfort. Some labors can be long and fatigue affects everyone's ability to cope and/or make good decisions. Many are uncomfortable in hospital surroundings.
Nurses are often looking after multiple laboring women and are responsible for charting their progress. They often do not have the time for coaching and comfort measures. Most nurses are compassionate and willing to lend a hand but seldom have the luxury of time to do so due to their caseloads. Until the birth is imminent plan on being on your own.
Doctors are generally not called in until it is time to catch the baby unless there is a medical risk involved.
It is not uncommon for the attending doctor to not even be in the hospital until the staff has notified him/her that labor has progressed sufficiently.
Your Doula:
**Gets to know mother and partner and their wishes for their birth and how they want to be supported.
**Is knowledgeable about the birth process and comfort and coping techniques to ease and facilitate the birthing process.
**Will be with you continuously so you are never left alone or unsupported!!!!
**Allows the birth partner to participate at their own comfort level and support their role however that is defined.
**Helps create a space for the parents to question procedures and interventions and make informed decisions on their care.
**Will not judge you our your choices. A doula understands it is your birth, your body, your choice!
Doulas are committed to creating strong families starting with a positive birth experience. Studies have shown that having a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.
We're worthy every penny, don't you think!
God Bless,
Suzann