B I R T H D O U L A
"Whenever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life."
-Ina May Gaskin
- provide emotional, informational, and physical support for a woman throughout pregnancy and childbirth
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- help achieve the healthiest and most satisfying birth experience
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- help create a birth plan
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- provide evidence-based information
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- continuous labor support
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- breastfeeding support
THE DOULA'S
ROLE
BENEFITS OF DOULA SUPPORT
- shorter labors with fewer complications
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- more positive feelings about the childbirth experience
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- a reduced need for pitocin, vacuum/forceps, or cesarean
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- fewer requests for pain medications or epidurals
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(dona.org)
DOULAS AND
PARTNERS
- help the partner be as involved as he/she wants
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- make suggestions for different birthing positions and massage techniques
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- keep the partner nourished so that the mother is never alone
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-provide support (nourishment, feedback, etc.) so that the partner can focus on the needs of the mother
- give the partner a break to go to the bathroom, eat, or nap