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Giving birth to your baby is much more than a medical procedure to both you and your doula. We understand that it is a highly emotional time as well as a physical journey from one facet of your life to the next . . . a rite of passage. Having a doula with you can help to smooth the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. All involved will benefit from the nurturing care of your doula.
During childbirth education classes and in reading or during discussion with physicians, parents learn about all of the choices available. A doula can assist in making informed and flexible decisions. Flexibility is the key to a birth experience because there are so many variables. Part of being informed and flexible means that parents are aware of when medication and interventions may be used and how these tools work (and this varies with individuals). Then, as parents come upon a situation, they know what to expect and are able to work with the situation.
A mother may choose to have both a doula and medications. Certain medications can make discomfort easier to deal with; other medications may take the discomfort away. Worries, questions and concerns about labor and birth may still exist and these can be shared with the doula who stays with laboring parents.
A doula’s role is non-clinical. Parents find her expertise with the physical side of labor and birth - positioning, breathing techniques, massage and relaxation very helpful. She can hold hands, rub shoulders, explain what is happening or offer information so parents can make informed decisions about health care. She will get ice chips and remind the mother to change positions. Doulas can also assist the partner/husband in meeting a laboring mother’s needs. This has been shown to increase a mother’s satisfaction with the husband/partner. |
