What is a DOULA? A doula is a person who supports women and their families to achieve a birthing experience that the pregnant woman desires. A doula reinforces childbirth by allowing the mother to perceive it as a key life experience. Because s/he understands the physical aspects of birth, a doula meets the emotional needs of a laboring woman as well. A doula will stay by the side of the laboring woman throughout the duration; and will provide emotional support, physical comfort, and will further obtain information the birthing woman needs to make intelligent decisions. By acting as a communicator between the medical care providers, the laboring woman and her partner, the doula nurtures and protects the woman's lifetime memory of her birthing experience.
Statistically, having a doula enables a laboring woman to decrease her chances of epidural use by 60%, cesarean birth by 50%, Pitocin use by 40%, narcotics use by 30%, forceps use by 30% and generally decreases the length of labor by 25%. Overall, a doula can be an essential part of the labor and delivery process. If you are pregnant, or know someone who is pregnant, perhaps a doula would be beneficial. To find a doula near you, feel free to peruse our business member directory today.
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