CWhat does the word Doula mean?
Doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves". Doulas today are known as experienced and trained individuals that help women during labour by offering physical, emotional, and informational support. Doulas are present before and during birth, and often during the postpartum period.
Will you replace my husband/partner?
Absolutely not. As a doula I am there to support both of you by sharing my knowledge and skills. Doulas and Dads/partner work together as a team. Working together ensures that you will have continuous support throughout your labour. It allows partners to take a break and removes some of the pressure we often see put on partners. Check out my blog article on Dad's and Doulas and how we make the dream team!
I have a midwife, do I need a Doula?
Midwives and doulas share some of the same goals but have very different roles during birth. A midwife is a trained and medical professional whose job is to look after the clinical well-being of you and your baby. A doulas role is to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to you during labour and does not include any medical support or treatment. Midwives and doulas make a great team and compliment each other. Typically a doula will stay with you longer during your birth, especially during the beginning. Midwives are a great support but safety of you and your baby is their number one concern and so it should be. A doula will be able to remind you to change positions, stay hydrated, massage your back during each and every contraction, help you focus on your breathing and much more.
Why should I hire a Doula based on research?
Research has shown that women who did not have support during birth were more likely to:
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10174
http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
What happens if I have a c-section?
Doulas can often be present in the operating room with partners so that if the partner needs to attend to the baby you are not left alone. Doulas help couples remain calm and relaxed during this time by talking them through the procedure and gaining some perspective. Doulas can help remind and facilitate birth wishes, for example skin to skin can still be possible. Skin to skin after a cesarean can help with breastfeeding, bonding, and body temperature.
What if I know I want an epidural?
Many women still hire doulas to support them through their birth even if they decide to have an epidural. Doulas can support you through the early stages of labour before heading to the hospital. If your birth happens quickly and you are unable to receive an epidural your doula would be there to support you. A doula will help guide you through delivery and support you after your baby is born in those first few hours. Emotional support is also extremely beneficial.
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Doula comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves". Doulas today are known as experienced and trained individuals that help women during labour by offering physical, emotional, and informational support. Doulas are present before and during birth, and often during the postpartum period.
Will you replace my husband/partner?
Absolutely not. As a doula I am there to support both of you by sharing my knowledge and skills. Doulas and Dads/partner work together as a team. Working together ensures that you will have continuous support throughout your labour. It allows partners to take a break and removes some of the pressure we often see put on partners. Check out my blog article on Dad's and Doulas and how we make the dream team!
I have a midwife, do I need a Doula?
Midwives and doulas share some of the same goals but have very different roles during birth. A midwife is a trained and medical professional whose job is to look after the clinical well-being of you and your baby. A doulas role is to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to you during labour and does not include any medical support or treatment. Midwives and doulas make a great team and compliment each other. Typically a doula will stay with you longer during your birth, especially during the beginning. Midwives are a great support but safety of you and your baby is their number one concern and so it should be. A doula will be able to remind you to change positions, stay hydrated, massage your back during each and every contraction, help you focus on your breathing and much more.
Why should I hire a Doula based on research?
Research has shown that women who did not have support during birth were more likely to:
- have an epidural or other forms of pain medication
- give birth by cesarean
- give birth by the use of forceps or vacuum
- be dissatisfied with or rate their childbirth experience negatively
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10174
http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
What happens if I have a c-section?
Doulas can often be present in the operating room with partners so that if the partner needs to attend to the baby you are not left alone. Doulas help couples remain calm and relaxed during this time by talking them through the procedure and gaining some perspective. Doulas can help remind and facilitate birth wishes, for example skin to skin can still be possible. Skin to skin after a cesarean can help with breastfeeding, bonding, and body temperature.
What if I know I want an epidural?
Many women still hire doulas to support them through their birth even if they decide to have an epidural. Doulas can support you through the early stages of labour before heading to the hospital. If your birth happens quickly and you are unable to receive an epidural your doula would be there to support you. A doula will help guide you through delivery and support you after your baby is born in those first few hours. Emotional support is also extremely beneficial.
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