HOME | WHAT IS A DOULA? | BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOULA | SERVICES | FEES | FOR DADS OR BIRTH PARTNERS | PHOTOS | CONTACT INFORMATION | RESOURCES | THOUGHTS FROM SOME OF MY CLIENTS | VISIT OUR NURSERY ~ Shh...babies sleeping Benefits of Having a Doula What are the benefits of having a Doula? Studies have shown that having a Doula provides the following benefits: a 50% decrease in Cesarean births a decrease in the use of medications 25% shorter labor time 40% reduction of the use of forceps or vacuum better breastfeeding outcomes increase in mother/infant interaction decrease in postpartum depression and anxiety a higher self esteem a greater satisfaction with the birth experience What if I already know that I want pain medication or an epidural....Is a Doula still a good idea? A Doula's role is to support a woman's choice to have the birth SHE chooses. Both medicated and unmedicated births are what Doulas are trained to work with, and both choices can benefit from Doula care. Women who opt to have medicinal intervention (narcotics/epidural) often have questions about their options/decisions, may need assistance with finding comfortable positions in bed, find themselves less physically mobile or mentally alert, and sometimes tired and frustrated with the birth process. These circumstances can present emotional challenges that a Doula can help guide a woman through. In the case of a cesarean birth (planned or otherwise) - A Doula (if allowed in the O.R.) can be a great support and source of information and reassurance during the delivery and immediately following the operation when dad/partner may be with the baby. After a cesarean birth, breastfeeding can be a real challange, and a Doula is trained to assist you during this uncomfortable and sometimes difficult time. *Having a doula to assit during childbirth is highly reccomended by healthcare professionals, mothers, fathers or birth partners, no matter how much support you have. Enlisting the services of a doula would also be a great recommendation for mother's who's spouses or partners are deployed, or if you are a single parent.