Who Needs a Doula?
Who needs a doula? Every pregnant woman can have a more positive birth experience by having a doula attend her birth!
First time moms greatly benefit from the presence of a doula. The experience of labor and birth is brand new and a doula can help reassure Mom and help her to work with the new sensations her body is feeling.
Moms giving birth in a hospital are especially helped by having a doula with them. A doula will act as an advocate between Mom and the caregivers to communicate her wishes and assist her in having the best birth possible. This is particularly important if Mom desires a natural birth without medical interventions, or if she wants to minimize their use. If medical interventions are necessary, a doula will educate the parents on their options and encourage them through the entire process.
Moms with a previous disappointing birth experience are much more likely to have a future positive birth with a doula present. This includes situations such as previously being medicated, labor induction, having to stay in bed during labor, unnecessary episiotomies, forceps or vacuum usage, long labor, c-section, breastfeeding success, and postpartum depression. All of these scenarios are shown by research to be dramatically improved by the presence of a doula.
In a recent study, (source) women cared for during labor by a birth doula, compared to those receiving usual care were
26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience
As your doula I will provide:
- Assistance with birth planning, prenatal care, and birth partner preparation
- 2-3 prenatal visits and at least 2 postpartum visits, depending on the need
- Availability for phone consultations anytime during pregnancy and afterwards
- Continuous labor support from early labor (as needed) throughout the immediate postpartum period
- Suggestions and support for pain coping techniques, positions during labor, calm birthing atmosphere, awareness of Mom’s changing needs
- Assistance with parent-infant bonding, breastfeeding help as needed
- Newborn and Mom care advice and assistance throughout the postpartum weeks
My experience:
- Certified Doula with Childbirth International since 2006
- I have experience as a doula with home birth, hospital birth, epidurals, cesarean section, high-risk pregnancy, VBAC, teen moms, breastfeeding problems, and more
- Certified Baby’s First Massage Instructor
- Mother of 6 children : 2 hospital births and 4 home births (including 3 water births)
- Extensive breastfeeding experience – total of 12 years between 6 children so far
- Herbal/natural remedy knowledge for both pregnant moms and babies/children
- Personal experience dealing with miscarriages – I can help with miscarriage care and emotional support if needed
Please Contact Me if you need a doula in San Antonio and are interested in my services.
Beautiful Home Birth baby boy
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