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Why use a doula?
Women have complex needs during childbirth. In addition
to the safety of modern obstetrical care, and the love and
companionship provided by their partners, women need
consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort,
encouragement and respect. They need individualized care
based on their circumstances and preferences. The role of
the doula encompasses the non-clinical aspects of care
during childbirth.
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What does a doula do?
The
doula's role is to provide physical, emotional, and
informational support to women and their partners during
labor and birth. The doula offers help and advice on
comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement
and positioning. She also assists families to gather
information about the course of their labor and their
options. Perhaps the most crucial role of the doula is
providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort.
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What will a doula not do?
Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform
clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate
monitoring. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions,
offer second opinions, or give medical advice. Most
importantly, doulas do not make decisions for their clients;
they do not project their own values and goals onto the
laboring woman.
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Are doulas only for women who want a natural birth?
The doula's goal is to help the woman have a safe and
satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it. When a
doula is present, some women feel less need for pain
medications, or may postpone them until later in labor;
however, many women choose or need pharmacological
pain relief. It is not the role of the doula to discourage the
mother from her choices. The doula helps her become
informed about various options, including the risks,
benefits and accompanying.
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Does a doula replace my husband or partner?
The woman's partner (the baby's father or another loved
one) plays an essential role in providing support for the
woman. A doula cannot make some of the unique
contributions that the partner makes, such as intimate
knowledge of the woman and love for her and her child.
The doula is there in addition
to, not instead of, the partner.
Ideally, the doula and the
partner make the perfect
support team for the woman,
complementing each other's
strengths.
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Is there research on the benefits of doulas?
Analysis of the numerous scientific trials of labor support
led the prestigious scientific group, The Cochrane
Collaboration's Pregnancy and Childbirth Group in
Oxford, England to state: "Given the clear benefits and no
known risks associated with intrapartum support, every
effort should be made to ensure that all labouring women
receive support, not only from those close to them but also
from specially trained caregivers. This support should
include continuous presence, the provision of hands-on
comfort, and encouragement."
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