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Mom's Choice Birth Doula Support Stacy Bradt |
What is a doula?
"Doula" is an ancient Greek word which is now used to refer to a "woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth."
Emotional Suport in Labor Can
- Shorten first time labor by an average of 25%.
- Reduce the need for a cesarean section by 50%.
- Reduce the use of drugs to stimulate labor by 40%.
- Reduce requests for epidural anesthesia by 60%.
- Reduce the need for forceps-assisted birth by 40%.
Marshall Klaus, MD, John Kennell MD, and Phyllis Klaus, MEd, CSW, authors of Mothering the Mother.
How do birth partners
and doulas work together?
A doula can never replace the love and caring that the birth parnter provides during the birth experinece. No one else can fill this special role. A doula's knowledge and experience can help the partner participate as he or she is comfortable. They work as a team. The doula can give the partner helpful ideas and bring you and your partner closer together.
Contact Me
Stacy Bradt
518-875-6768
stacy_bradt@yahoo.com
How can a doula help you during labor?
A doula...
Recognizes that childbirth is an important event that you will remember all of your life.
Understands the processes of labor and birth, and can help you write a list of your birth preferences.
Provides emotional support and encouragemetn for you and your partner before, during and after your labor.
Provides or suggests physical comfort measurs that your partner can give during labor and birth.
Gives you an objective view of your labor. A doula has the experience of many labors and can help you understand your labor.
Knows what to do during long or difficult labors. She can give you many suggestions that help you cope and help your labor progress.
Helps you communicate with your caregivers in order to honor your birth preferences.
Helps you ensure that you and your partner get off to a great start as new parents.
Gives you continuous one-on-one attention. Her total role is to "be there for you" and help you to have the best possible birthing experience.
What Doulas Do Not Do!
- Perform clinical tasks or medical procedures.
- Make decisions for you. Every choice is your choice.
- Speak to the staff for you regarding matters where decisions are being made.