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Why Hire
a Doula?
Doulas provide continuous
support on all levels for a birthing family, but do not perform clinical or
medical tasks*. Research** has shown that having a Doula present during
birth can reduce the:
- Cesarean Rate by 50%
- Length of Labor by 25%
- Use of Pitocin by 40%
- Use of Pain Medication by
30%
- Need for Forceps by 40%
- Requests for Epidurals by 60%
Families and their new babies can benefit from the caring assistance and
encouragement a Doula can provide during an experience that should be moving
and memorable. Research*** has also shown that women who have postpartum
support have:
- A better postpartum
adjustment
- A better understanding of
newborn needs
- Greater breastfeeding
success
- Greater self-confidence
- Less postpartum depression
- A lower incidence of abuse
...than those who do not have
postpartum support. Postpartum Doulas can help parents integrate their baby
into the family in a loving, gentle way.
*Clinical and medical tasks
include, but are not limited to: vaginal exams, palpation to determine
fetal position, blood pressure, fetal monitoring and taking temperatures.
**Studies published in the
New England Journal of Medicine, British Medical Journal, Journal of
American Medical Association and the British Journal of Obstetrics and
Gynecology. See DONA's position paper for full text.
***Studies published in
several professional journals including Social Science and Medicine,
Lancet, Birth and Journal of Human Lactation. See DONA's position paper
for full text.
References: Mothering the
Mother by Marshall Klaus, Addison-Wesley, 1993.
Questions
to ask a
Doula >>
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