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WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S | Family Maternity Center | Pregnancy Resource Center | Pregnancy Library | Birth Planning | Doulas Can Help Make Childbirth More Satisfying
Doulas Can Help Make Childbirth More Satisfying
As your due date approaches, it's natural to feel anxious and even a bit scared. To help relieve your stress and feel better prepared for your delivery, you may want to consider hiring a doula. A doula can provide your family with personal care and attention right when you need it the most.
The role of a doula
Doulas do not perform medical tasks, diagnose medical conditions, or give clinical advice; that's your doctor or midwife's job. Although some doulas will hold your hand, talk with you, and cheer you on, they can never take the place of your partner in encouraging you through childbirth. Doulas are professional labor support persons hired to help women before, during, and after the birth. According to several studies, women supported by a doula during childbirth had, on average, significantly shorter labor, less chance of a cesarean section, and less need for pain medication and interventions such as forceps.
While you are pregnant, a doula can: - Help in birth planning.
- Teach relaxation techniques.
- Answer questions.
- Help you explain and define what you hope for and want during labor and birth.
During labor, a doula can: - Work with the medical staff and your partner to ensure that all of your needs are met.
- Relieve discomfort through massage, movement, breathing and relaxation techniques.
- Provide constant encouragement and reassurance.
- Translate medical terminology.
- Keep track of your labor status and explain birthing options so that you can make informed decisions.
- Ensure that you are never left alone.
- Guide your partner in providing physical and emotional support to you.
- Give you her undivided attention.
After the birth, a doula can: - Provide breastfeeding advice and support.
- Help with childcare so you can rest.
- Cook meals for your family.
- Run errands.
- Perform light cleaning.
Hiring a doula
Start by determining the kind of birth experience you want. Then search for a doula that can best support you. - Interview at least three doulas, if possible.
- Ask about birth philosophy, thoughts on pain medications and medical interventions, training and experience.
- Think about how relaxed you and your partner feel with each doula. (A good personality match is critical.)
- Ask yourself, "Can this person provide the kind of support we want?"
Training and certification
Doulas undergo special training that generally consists of childbirth education and an intensive two- to three-day seminar covering pain management through such methods as relaxation, breathing and massage which are known to reduce pain and help labor progress. They are also taught how to meet the emotional needs of birthing women.
Certification is offered by several organizations and in general requires a background in the maternity field, doula training, a written exam, and experience working with laboring women.
For doula referrals contact: - Local hospitals and birthing centers
- Doulas of North America (DONA), 13513 North Grove Drive, Alpine, UT 84004, (801) 756-7331, Doula@DONA.org
- Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), P.O. Box 382724, Cambridge, MA 02238, (617) 441-2500
- International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), P.O. Box 20048, Minneapolis, MN 55420, (800) 624-4934
- Lamaze International, 1200 19th St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 857-1100
Date last reviewed: October 2002.
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