What is a Doula?
The
word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves"
and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who
provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to
the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides
emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies
have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with
fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more
easily.
Why Do I need a Doula for my birth?
A Birth Doula:
- Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
- Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
- Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).
Research
evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can
ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family,
improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
No comments:
Post a Comment