COMMON QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF HIRING A DOULA?
Studies have shown that the support given by a Birth Doula decreases the likelihood of synthetic oxytocin being used to speed up the labor by 31%, the use of anesthesia by 10%, and the rate of cesarean section by 25%. Furthermore, Birth Doula support has been linked to higher APGAR scores for the baby and a higher rate of satisfaction reported by the birthing person overall. The Cochrane Database Systematic Review, published in July of 2017, went so far as to say “Continuous support in labor may improve a number of outcomes for both mother and baby, and no adverse outcomes have been identified.”
AS MY DOULA, WILL YOU MAKE DECISIONS FOR ME?
No. As your doula we will help to empower you to seek the information you need to make your own decisions. Your voice is so powerful and we will encourage you to use it and will support your decisions without judgment.
MY PARTNER/FRIEND/FAMILY WILL BE AT MY BIRTH; DO I STILL NEED A DOULA?
While friends and family can be great at supporting you, they are typically not trained in current evidence based information and familiar with difficult situations that may arise in labor and delivery. As your doulas, we are committed to continuing education and have been trained to react calmly and professionally in any situation that arises.
We encourage our clients to have whomever they wish in attendance at their birth, and will work with them as a team, to support you in having the best birthing experience possible.
WILL A DOULA MAKE MY PARTNER FEEL EXCLUDED?
Our experience tells us that partners participate in birth in a variety of ways. We are trained to listen to you and your partner in order to support you in the ways that are best.
It is our goal to foster a feeling of inclusion with your partner. We will support your partner as they participate in whatever capacity you are both comfortable with. We are dedicated to working seamlessly with them in order to help you have a positive birth experience, and are dedicated to enhancing the partners’ role, not replacing it.
I’M HAVING A CESAREAN BIRTH; CAN I STILL BENEFIT FROM HAVING A DOULA?
Yes! We are experts in supporting birth; all types of births, including surgical ones. Here are just a few ways we can support you during your cesarean birth:
Help you to feel more calm and relaxed prior to surgery
Explain procedures in terms you understand
Accompany your partner while they wait to meet you in the OR
Help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of surgery
Encourage you to share your birth plan and wishes with the staff
Update family members at your request
Stay with you if your baby (and partner) must to go to the nursery
Help you initiate breastfeeding (if that is your choice)
We will be there for you in pre-op, possibly in the OR (depending on facility policy), and after the birth, so that you are never left unsupported. Additionally, you may be surprised to know that planned cesarean births have options that will allow for a more gentle, “family centered” experience. There are many decisions to be made, and we will help you to identify your priorities, find out what is available in your birthing facility, and create a birth plan that reflects these preferences.