If you have recently found out you are expecting, or even have known for a while now but are just now mentally preparing for delivery, you probably have a lot of questions. Even second- or third-time mothers often have concerns because there were aspects of their first delivery that t they don’t want to repeat. A very common question, especially for moms here in Connecticut, is whether or not to enlist the services of a Birthing Doula. After all, the nurses will do the same things anyway right? Actually no, a Doula is quite different from a Labor and Delivery nurse.
#1 A Doula is dedicated to you. While your nurse is assigned to all birthing mothers on the floor at the same time as you, your Doula is there only for you. The nurses on staff would like to provide support, but they often have little time to spend individually with a couple. The nurse’s role is to monitor the progress of the labor so she comes in and out of the labor room checking on the progress. The Doula’s personalized attention focuses on your needs and those of your partner. She provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support.
#2 Your Doula will be chosen by you. You cannot choose the nurse on rotation at the time period that you go into labor. Unfortunately, there is always the possibility you will not get along well with the nurse on staff but even when your nurse is great she cannot stay with you during labor. In a hospital setting you labor alone with your partner. You aren’t alone with a Labor Support Doula. She also allows your partner to get a bite to eat, or get a cup of coffee. Labor can be a long process!
#3 You and Your Doula will meet ahead of time. Up to five months before you go into labor, you will meet and decide who you will trust to be with you during your birth. Once you choose a your labor support doula you will begin to form a bond with your Doula. This will be much appreciated in the birthing room, as you won’t feel surrounded by strangers.
#4. Your Doula is your advocate. The nurses work for the hospital; the Doula works for you. She will know your birth plan and help you to achieve it. Your doula can help you understand the choices you have for pain relief. If you want a completely non-medicated birth, the Doula will help you to achieve that through various strategies for managing the labor. She does not interfere with the medical staff, but she helps you to know and understand if you have options and helps you to have the kind of birth you want. Everyone’s goal is the same – to have a healthy baby. Having a doula helps you with another option – to enjoy your birth!
#5 Your labor will be better! Studies have shown that a Doula’s presence can actually reduce the length of labor, lessen the mother’s chance at having a caesarean section, as well as lessen the need other medicines or interventions.
If you are an expecting mother in Connecticut and have further questions about whether you would like a Doula for your labor and delivery, please contact MothersCare Doula Services at 203-375-5719 or email us at [email protected].
