Assorted Facts and Information

CARRIER DIRECTIONS

Work Shops~ Baby Carriers

Fabric Talk

Babywearing Dads

FAQ?

Carrier Reviews

~Links and Other Resources~

~ Mother Risk Pregnancy Helpline

~ Breastfeeding Links and Resources

~ Birth & Parenting Links & Resources

Mother's Helper on Facebook

Labor Doula Studies And Statistics

Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor have:

50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

What Does a Doula Do?

The following is a general description of what you might expect from a CAPPA certified labour doula. Douala's meet with the parents in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy to get acquainted and to learn about prior birth experiences and the history of this pregnancy. She may help you develop a birth plan, talk about relaxation, visualization, and breathing skills useful for labour. Most importantly, the doula will provide comfort, support, and information about birth options.
A doula helps the woman to determine prelabour from real labour and early labour from active labour. The doula enhances the experience so that parents receive the information they need to make informed decisions. She is a professional who understands the natural process of birth, and works with the labouring family during labour & birth. She assists the family in having the most positive, healthy and natural experience possible for them. A doula provides non-medical information, physical, and emotional support.
At a point determined by the woman in labor, the doula will come to her and assist her by:
Helping her to relax
Provide support for the woman's partner and other family members.
Encourage proper nutrition and fluids.
Help to make the environment feel more secure and confident
. A doula provides a mother with information on birth options.
A doula works cooperatively with the health care team. In the event of a complication, a doula can be a great help in understanding what is happening and what options the family may have. The doula may also help with the initial breastfeeding.
A doula eases the transition from home to hospital or assists in the comfort of your home. Offering words of encouragement, non-judgmental support and educates the couple, before, during and after birth.
Someone who stays with the labouring woman throughout her labour and birth.
There are a variety of titles used by women offering these services such as "birth assistant," "labour support" and "doula".

What about the father?

A doula does not replace or interfere with the father; An intuitive doula can actually bring a couple closer together during this exciting time. This is an amazing and challenging time for both mother and father. Fathers worry, often finding it difficult when they are unable to take away the physical pain their wife is going through. A doula can assist him to care for, and support his partner often making suggestions for comfort techniques, position changes, giving encouragement reassurance, and needed breaks during a long labour.
She helps the father to be more involved as the nurses cannot be with the birthing woman at every moment. In essence, freeing up the father to provide uninterrupted emotional support to his partner, and not having to play the role of advocate, liaison, etc...as well as provide support.