First of all, what is a doula? A doula is a trained labor specialist who helps provide expectant mothers nonmedical and natural care. Their scope of their practice is to be the mother’s physical, emotional, and informational support. Unlike doctors and midwives who’s primary concern and purpose is to safely deliver the baby, the sole focus of doulas is on taking care of the mother and supporting their partner.
Doulas can help the mother through physical techniques such as:
- Using counterpressure, touch, positioning, and encouraging words.
- encouraging mother/helping her stay calm and centered
- making sure they get enough to eat and drink through labor to keep up their strength.
Doulas not only help moms, but they also help their spouse/partner. Doulas can help the spouse/partner know how they can support and comfort the mom through the labor process. They do not have to stress about how to support mom. They will be guided by their doula on what they can do through the experience. Also, mom never needs to be alone if their partner needs to use the restroom, eat, or have a break.
According to studies from the Journal of Perinatal Education, the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and by the Cochrane Review, women who received continuous and companionship care throughout labor are:
- more likely to go into spontaneous labor
- less likely to need an epidural
- less likely to need a vacuum extraction or any forceps assistance
- less likely to receive a C-Section
- less likely to have negative feelings about their childbirth.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists agrees that doula care is “one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes.” Here at The Utah Birth Place, we have many wonderful doulas who can serve and help your birth become the beautiful experience you want. Reach out to us through this link, and we would love to get you started!
