I never knew what doula was until my traumatic Caserean section with Mya. I did actually come across it somewhere while “preparing” for labor but somehow I completely dismissed the idea. I mean I had all the support I needed – my wonderful husband so I didn’t think I really needed one.
Now, especially after my second pregnancy, I am absolutely convinced that every mother to be MUST have a doula, even if they have partners, families and friends by their side.
So,what is doula?
Well, it’s a Greek word and it means a woman’s servant.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? 
Indeed, doula was the most important slave in ancient Greece who was to help the lady of the house through her childbearing.
I think in America,people are more familiar with doula’s services while here in UK it’s still a new thing.A lot of women (and I was one of them) don’t consider doulas to be a necessity as the UK antenatal care is provided predominately by midwives.
Well, in my experience and a vast majority of British women will agree,our midwives are over-worked,under-staffed and under-paid. Most of us are seen not by one but a few community midwives during antenatal care, and then by a totally different bunch at the hospital. Even if we are lucky to “click” with a midwife during our labours, I find it that they are still more focused on the medical side of the process rather than dealing with our fears and emotions.
Doulas complement rather than replace midwives.
So, a doula is a woman experienced in childbirth (before,during and after) who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.” (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother).
Usually, she has children of her own and a lot of the times these women themselves have been through a traumatic birth experience that made them realise the importance of mother’s emotions in the run up to birth and afterwards as well as her physical needs during this special period.
Doula is quite familiar with the physiology of birth, medical terminology and always has an objective point of view. All these allow her to keep a cool head, stay by your side and provide great comfort and support during your entire labour and to create an atmosphere in which the birth can be as easy and satisfying as possible.
Studies have shown the following about having a doula present during labor:
Birth outcomes:
-Labors are shorter
-Fewer complications
-Fewer c-sections
-Less need for medicated labors (i.e. pain reduction and to speed up labor)
-Fewer forceps deliveries
Mother:
-Greater satisfaction with the birth experience
-Less postnatal depression
Baby
-Shorter hospital stay
-Easier time breastfeeding
-Better bonding with the mother
The benefits of Doula services are recognized by:
-the World Health Organization
-the Medical Leadership Council (an organization of over 1200 U.S. hospitals)
-the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.
Still not sure whether you will be needing one?
By now you are probably thinking – ok, surely it sounds good, however there is a financial cost to consider and I’d rather use that money to buy something for my baby,etc
I agree. In London, an average price for doula’s services is around 500 pounds (roughly 800 USD these days). I thought it was a bit much. But believe me – it is not!
Look, no matter how educated and prepared you are,
CHILDBIRTH IS UNPREDICTABLE
it also hurts like hell (please don’t tell me otherwise). Comes first contraction, and everything you knew and hoped for is out of the window. You think you have a great support network?
Hmm, let’s see. Is it your mum? – I am a mother now and I know there is nothing else more painful than watching your dearest child go through pain. Do you think she’ll be calm and collected throughout the whole process? I don’t think so…
Same goes for partners. My hubby was absolutely wonderful. He really was THERE for me with Mya from the first contraction to me being wheeled off to the operating room. Was it enough? No. He was as clueless as to what was going on and scared as I was. I think he is still haunted
Our families and friends are very important and , of course, they should be there but so should be our doulas. Then, it is a complete package.
And if you think about it, their price is not unreasonable. Most of them visit you many times before birth, help you write up your birth plan,listen to your worries and prepare you mentally. Then they are on- call 24 hours a day around your birth time.
After birth they stick around to help you with breastfeeding,talk you through your birth and fill out the bits you can’t remember,etc
A lot of doulas offer help around the house and even babysit your older kids!
And if you are lucky like me, your doula then will become your dearest friend. Afterall, childbirth is a very intimate business and once you let her in, the trust and the bond just never goes away.
HAPPY BIRTHING!
Author: Irbit Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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