| The
word "doula"
is an ancient Greek word that means servant. A doula accompanies a woman during
her labor to provide emotional and physical support, comfort measures including
breathing techniques and physical postures, and suggestions and support for the
partner. A
doula does not speak on behalf of the client or make decisions for the client,
nor does she perform any medical procedures or interventions. Why
have a doula? Almost
all women remember their birth experience. Feeling nurtured and supported before,
during, and after labor can help women have a more satisfying birth; that satisfaction
translates into a positive memory that can can give a woman courage during the
challenges of motherhood, and can serve as a perpetual reminder of a woman's power,
strength, and ability to align with the highest possibility within herself. Research
shows that a satisfying birth means one in which a woman feels a sense of control,
sees that her desires are included in decision-making, and receives respectful
treatment. A satisfying birth has not been shown to be related to the amount
of pain experienced, whether a birth is natural or not, or whether the baby was
delivered C-Section or vaginally. Some interesting facts: In
the 80's, the C-Section rate in the U.S. increased 5-fold, when fetal monitoring
became popular. The US is 14th on the list of safest countries
in which to give birth. Many safer countries rely on the midwifery model and home
births and most have fewer Caesarians. C-Section rates are
at approximately 30% in the US. The World Health Organization recommends 10-14%
as an appropriate percentage. With a doula, studies show
a: 40% decrease in Pitocin use
40% decrease in
forceps use
25% decrease in the length of labor
50% decrease C-Section
30% decrease in pain meds
60% decrease in requests
for epidurals Some good doula-related reading: The
Doula Book - Klaus, Kennell, & Klaus The Birth Partner:
Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman through Childbirth, 2nd Edition
- Simkin DONA's Birth Doula Position Paper "The
Doula's Contribution to Modern Maternity Care" - Doulas of North America
(www.dona.org) For
Jessica's general Recommended Prenatal Reading List, click
here. | 
