thinking about giving birth naturally in Louisville or Lexington Kentucky?
The Doula Difference
So what exactly is a doula and what difference can they have during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences? According to The American Pregnancy Association, ”Having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 35%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 50%.”
Unlike hospital staff or even a midwife, a doula provides non-stop support during a birth, attending to the client's needs and wants and supporting her vision for the birth. A doula also serves as an encourager to the partner, helping them effectively support the mama with words and actions; acting as a calming presence when the partner or other loved ones may be exhausted or anxious.
With their knowledge of the natural progression of labor, techniques to minimize stress and discomfort, and their established connection with their client, a doula is a vital member of any birth team. In scheduled inductions, VBACS, cesareans, and spontaneous births alike, their presence is strongly felt and appreciated.
A doula has a long-lasting impact, even after birth is over, with studies showing that women with a doula felt more positive after birth and had more success with breastfeeding. Because of these reasons, a doula is an investment into the overall well-being of a family unit.
Now that you are familiar with the difference a doula can make, click here to read reviews about Elaine specifically.
