Wait, Why Should I Use a Doula?

Check out this YouTube video.
Happy Pride, NYC!

Why A Doula?

With a doula by your side, you are never alone in the process

Be sure to follow all of my Doula Pins on Pinterest

Calling All NYC Mamas!

Hello All!

As I've mentioned, I'm in the process of completing my doula certification and am in need of some mamas to hire me to complete the process.

If you or someone you know is expecting a bundle of joy, please send them my way for Free or Low-Cost doula services!

Blessings and Light,

Erika

Documenting Delight

Documenting Delight is one of my all-time favorite photo and video websites that I go to when I need a little sunshine in my life. Last night when Netflix infamously went down I had a choice. I could either go straight to sleep or I could watch home birth and natural hospital births online.

Of course I chose option B.

Welcoming Theodore is probably one of the most beautiful and positively breathtaking videos and photos that I've seen in a while. Not that this happens to every Mama, but it was pretty awesome to hear Mom exclaim, "That was easy!" when Theodore came out.

Take a look at the amazing video that accompanies the post, but for now enjoy this precious photo.

Photo from Documenting Delight

Thank you, Documenting Delight!

Human Breastmilk Is Protective During Infections, Study-Cross Post

AsianScientist (May 27, 2013) – Breastfeeding is protective when there is an infection in mothers or babies due to the immune cells called leukocytes found in human breastmilk, says a new international study led by The University of Western Australia

The research may help to explain why babies who are exclusively breastfed have fewer infections.

In a paper published in the journal Clinical and Translational Immunology, lead author UWA’s Assistant Professor Foteini Hassiotou and colleagues show how the number of leukocytes in breastmilk changes during the course of breastfeeding as well as in response to maternal and infant infection.

The team recruited 21 breastfeeding mothers and their babies at different stages of lactation, from a few days after birth to several years into lactation. The researchers first established the normal range of leukocytes in the milk of healthy mothers and babies.

They then found that the leukocytes in breastmilk increased rapidly when either the mother or her baby had an infection and returned to normal levels when the infection was over. Remarkably, this response was also seen when only the baby had an infection and the mother was asymptomatic, reinforcing the importance of breastfeeding for the protection of the baby.

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What are the Benefits of Having a Doula

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.". 

                                 ~John H. Kennell, MD

In my last post I explained a bit of what a doula does, for this post I wanted to show some benefits in having a doula at your birth; whether you birth in a hospital, in a birthing center, or at home. Mothers giving birth vaginally as well as via c-section both benefit from having a doula at their birth. 

Let's get right to the statistics:

Doulas reduce the labor time, reduce the need for medication, and reduce the need for cesarean. Plus, there is the added bonus of a women there to support you.

Studies have also shown:

• 50% reduction in cesarean birth
• 30% reduction in requests for pain medication
• 60% fewer requests for epidural anesthesia
• 25% decrease in the length of labor
• 30% decrease in use of Pitocin
• Reduction of medical cost
• Increased breastfeeding success
• Greater overall satisfaction

Source: Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus, Mothering the Mother, New York, Addison-Wesley, 1993.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• Have greater success with breastfeeding
• Have greater self-confidence
• Have less postpartum depression
• Partner's have more confidence in their ability to assist in the birth.

Suggested Reading: The Doula Book Klaus, Kennell and Klause

If you are pregnant I would be honored to speak with you further on the benefits of having a doula at your birth.

What Does a Doula Do?

The majority of my friends are excited that I'm in the process of becoming a doula, but the majority of them have no idea what a doula is or what it is that I'll be doing as a doula.

One friend wants me to be her doula to "deliver her baby"

Doulas don't do that.

Another said she'd like me there to help her talk to the doctors.

Doulas don't do that either.

And yet another wants me there to help her figure out what to do.

Doulas don't really do that either.

So what, exactly, does a doula do?

A doula is a non-medical support person for the laboring woman and her partner. Because a doula is a "non medical" she cannot prescribe or recommend medications or interventions. She also cannot help in any aspect of the birth (delivering the baby, handing surgical tools to the OB). She's there solely as a support to the mother and her partner.

A doula is professional trained in childbirth and provides emotional, physical and informational support to the mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula’s purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable and empowering birthing experience.

A doula recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life. She facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers

A doula will show support by looking into a woman's eyes while she's having contractions, matching her breathing to the mothers'. A doula will offer massage, aromatherapy, essential oil therapy, or simply hold and stroke the hand of the mother.

A doula will work with the couple or mother during prenatal appointments to help craft a Birth Vision (Birth Plan)

A doula encourages and supports the partner, allowing them to break for naps and stays with the mother during those times.

A doula helps the couple understand various comfort measures and teaches the partner how to do them with the laboring woman.

A doula is encouraging and comforting.

A doula informs the expecting parents on all aspects of birth, labor and encourages the couple to learn about medical interventions and assess which interventions the couple is comfortable with.

A doula is patient, sincere, kind and compassionate.

When labor can last anywhere from 12-48 hours (and sometimes longer!) A doula provides constant and uninterrupted support if only through tender touch.