What is a Labor Doula?
A Labor Doula, or birth assistant, offers emotional and physical support to the expectant family before, during and after the birth of their baby. Labor Doulas serve as advocates for the family, labor coaches and an invaluable information source before and during the labor.
Is it really helpful to have a Doula?
Yes! The documented benefits of Labor Doula Support include:
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Source:
Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).
In our experience, babies born with the support of a qualified labor doula also tend to have an easier time breastfeeding, encouraging better bonding and overall health as well as quicker healing for mom post pregnancy.
Husbands and other birth partners often find the support of a labor doula irreplaceable, providing support, comfort and relief for them as their loved one is supported.
Services offered by Doulas:
Timely information that encourages informed consent and open communication.
Resources when necessary or requested.
Support for the expectant woman and her partner.
Information regarding childbirth options.
Assistance in formulating ideas for the birth.
Information about a well-balanced diet and fluid intake.
Focus on the comfort of mom and partner throughout labor and childbirth.
Help with creating a confident and secure environment in which to labor and birth.
Assistance with breastfeeding and bonding.
Labor Support in the hospital, at home, or at a birthing center.
Labor Doulas DO NOT:
Perform medical procedures, such as blood pressure checks, IVs, blood draws, or manual exams.
Make decisions for mother or baby’s medical care.
Labor Doula Testimonials:
“We really appreciate that Rhonda could arrive at roughly 5 am for our son’s surprise (early) arrival. Thank you so much for helping us. As the husband I can say that I was greatful that you were there because I never would have been able to coach my wife so well on my own since I’d never experienced or witnessed childbirth before. Thanks, CWA July 25, 2009”
“Kathy was wonderful. I could not have had the natural birth I wanted without her. The hospital staff was clearly not experienced in natural births, so having Kathy there to keep me on track was critical to sticking with my birth plan. Her manner was gentle yet guiding and I really appreciated her experience- bot pre-, during and post-birth.” -CG, mom
“As a first time parent, I found our labor doula Kathy extremely helpful and comforting during the birth of our daughter. I was concerned that the hospital staff would push their version of the birthing process and not offer all medical options in an unbiased way. Our labor doula Kathy provided a useful counter point to the suggestions made by the hospital nursing staff, which enabled my wife and I to make informed decisions. Kathy was helpful without being intrusive. I am not sure if my wife could have accomplished the natural childbirth she desired without Kathy’s help. I highly recommend her, particularly for first time parents.” -CG, dad August 11, 2009
"Joanna was fantastic! She has such a gentle touch and a very soothing voice. She was able to help me achieve my #1 goal – to not have to take an epidural. She was respectful of my husband’s role as well as the hospital staff. If we decide to have another baby, I would love to have Joanna help us again. Thank You."
At The Motherhood Center, we offer a variety of Doula Services from Labor through the Postnatal period. We will connect you with a trained, experienced Labor Doula to be there for you and your partner during the delivery.
If you are considering the presence of a Doula at your birth, we encourage you to contact us with any further questions. We are honored to support you and look forward to connecting you with the right Labor Doula for your family.
Contact: Rhonda Meador
E-mail:
Phone: 713-963-8880
