Giving birth today involves making so many choices;

for you, for your baby, for your future.  While we are lucky to have these choices, deciding what is best for you and your family can feel overwhelming.  A doula can help you know your options, determine your priorities, and follow through with your plans.  In addition to educating, advocating, and being a knowledgable resource, a doula provides continuous physical and emotional support throughout your labor.  This one-on-one support is statistically associated with positive outcomes in labor and birth in several ways.  With evidence like this behind doula care, how can you afford NOT to choose it?

In nearly every culture throughout history, women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth

Why a doula is worth the cost...


Better Births - Hiring a doula is a simple way to reduce your risk of experiencing complications.  Researchers have found doula-attended births are often shorter with fewer cesarean sections and labor inductions needed.


Communicate Your Preferences - Many moms spend time writing out birth plans, but often they end up sitting untouched and ignored on the big day.  A doula can remind hospital staff of your wishes, whether those are to avoid unnecessary interventions or to move around freely during labor.


Support - Genuine and loving support can have a huge influence on the duration, pain management and enjoyment of birth.  Many moms-to-be expect to get that support from nurses, but they often care  for multiple patients at the same time.  Having a doula will ensure you receive consistent support through every single contraction.


Experience - It is often assumed that birth partners will provide labor support, when in reality most are nervous and unsure of themselves in this important role.  Doulas have assisted many women through birth and can provide support for both the mother and father based on their rich experience.


Breastfeeding Assistance - Research has shown babies breastfeed more easily when a doula is present during delivery.  Some doulas also offer breastfeeding support and other postpartum services to nurture you and your birth partner in your new roles.


Marilyn Curl, CNM, MSN, LCCE, FACCE, is the president of Lamaze International (www.lamaze.org)

 
Contact Memailto:amy@pendexter.com?subject=doula%20info%20please
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Compared with women who have no support in labor, women who have support from a companion who is neither a member of the hospital staff nor a friend or family member have:*

  1. •26% reduction in Cesarean rate

  2. •31% less use of synthetic oxytocin to speed labor

  3. • 25% shorter labors

  4. •9% less use of any pain medication

  5. •41% reduction in forceps or vacuum extractor delivery

  6. •34% less dissatisfaction with their birth experience

  7. •Babies with better 5 minute APGAR scores.



Six weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas experienced:*

  1. •Less anxiety and depression

  2. •More confidence with their baby

  3. •More satisfaction with their partner

  4. •Improved breastfeeding

  5. •Increased time spent with baby

  6. •Decreased postpartum depression


*These statistics appear in Hodnett E, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003. Issue 3, Art. No. CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766., and Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Weston J. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub3.

A doula provides constant reassurance and encouragement
A doula Is an extra set of comforting hands
Watch this slide show of Hound HIll Clients and their Confident and Joyful birth experiences.

A short film from DONA International on the benefits of doula care

Hound Hill Doula 5 Pendexter Road Durham NH 03824 603-767-5382