FAQ
What is the role of a Doula?
I escort women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and partners. I am independent and self employed. As your Doula, I am working for you, not for your caregiver or the hospital.
I escort women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I draw on my knowledge and experience to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and partners. I am independent and self employed. As your Doula, I am working for you, not for your caregiver or the hospital.
What do Doulas not do?
They do not perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc. They are there to provide only physical and emotional support and advocacy. They do not make decisions for you. They will help you get the information you need to make your own informed decisions. They will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan, and will ask if this is your decision. They do not speak to medical staff regarding matters where health care decisions are being made. They can discuss your concerns with you and suggest options. They can support you in discussions with staff as your advocate, making sure you have the opportunity to discuss concerns, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the medical staff.
They do not perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc. They are there to provide only physical and emotional support and advocacy. They do not make decisions for you. They will help you get the information you need to make your own informed decisions. They will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan, and will ask if this is your decision. They do not speak to medical staff regarding matters where health care decisions are being made. They can discuss your concerns with you and suggest options. They can support you in discussions with staff as your advocate, making sure you have the opportunity to discuss concerns, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the medical staff.
Do I really need a Doula?
Short answer: No not everyone needs a doula. But take some points into consideration: *Studies have shown that having a doula on the birth team can decrease the overall c-section rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.
*information from americanpregnancy.org
Short answer: No not everyone needs a doula. But take some points into consideration: *Studies have shown that having a doula on the birth team can decrease the overall c-section rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.
*information from americanpregnancy.org
