Doulas Are Laboring Angels

Have you considered hiring a doula for added support during labor? Wouldn't it be easier for a mother to have someone nurturing, guiding, suggesting and comforting throughout the entire childbirth process? Doulas have your best interest at heart because they work for you not the hospital.

WHAT ARE DOULAS?

? Specially trained women helping women through childbirth.

? Offer a continual presence vs. the hospital staff coming and going.

? Provide pre-natal visits to go over birth plans and birth desires.

? Give suggestions to help facilitate labor progress.

? Massage, encourage and guide a woman throughout labor.

? They have a bag full of labor aids that help eliminate the discomforts during childbirth.

WHAT DOULAS DON'T DO:

? Vaginal exams, or medical interventions.

? Deliveries

? Speak up for the woman; rather encourage her to voice her wishes

? Take over Dad's role

WHAT'S IN IT FOR BIRTH PARTNER?

? The birth partner can participate at his own comfort level.

? When he wants to be the main partner, he has an assistant. He can go to the bathroom, eat or even sleep if he needs to without compromising the woman's comfort.

? Women love when their partners are nurturing during labor. This is taught by the doula's example. Bonus points for Dad.

? Doula's can provide education and knowledge through out the labor, explaining procedures, etc. This can reduce Dad and Mom's anxiety.

THE BONUSES FOR HAVING A DOULA

? 50% reduction in cesareans

? 25 % reduction in the length of labor

? 40% reduction in pitocin

? 60% reduction in the need for epidurals

? 30% more likely to be breastfeeding 6 weeks post-partum

? Less incidences of post-partum depression

? More bonding with the baby

? Women experience a more satisfying birth experience

You may find a doula in your area by the internet, or by talking to your childbirth educator.

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

---

How To Avoid Swelling When Pregnant

Edema, otherwise known as swelling, will affect almost all women... Read More

Smoking During Pregnancy

If you have been drinking up until the point when... Read More

Abortions After Fetal Viability

Abortion is without a doubt one of the hottest and... Read More

Things You Should Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time where you have to be careful... Read More

Glutathione for a Healthier Pregnancy

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and... Read More

Very Early Signs of Pregnancy - Do You Know the 10 Pregnancy Signs?

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy... Read More

Common Sense Approach To Pregnancy Weight Loss

Ok so everyone gains weight while they are pregnant. This... Read More

Weight Gain During Pregnancy, and Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How much weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and will... Read More

How to Get Your Pre-pregnancy Body Back

The second biggest question you will ask yourself as a... Read More

Pregnancy Fashion - Look And Feel Great During Your Pregnancy!

Have you ever wondered what makes women tick? Well among... Read More

Being Pregnant Is Not a Hurdle to Enjoy A Little Romance

Most of the time pregnant women are afraid to have... Read More

Pregnancy And Celiac Disease

If you have celiac disease and are well controlled because... Read More

Fetal Development Month by Month

Month 1: Your first month of pregnancy your baby will... Read More

Twins Pregnancy?A Father?s Point of View

So you're expecting twins. Congratulations!Are you still in shock? I... Read More

Fighting the Pregnancy Blahs

Every pregnant woman has experienced the pregnancy blahs. I can... Read More

Early Signs of Pregnancy

Think you may need to do a home pregnancy test?... Read More

So You Think You?re Pregnant? A Brief Discussion Of Common Pregnancy Symptoms

A baby begins life even before he is born ?... Read More

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting a present for a new mom or dad can... Read More

Postpartum Depression - Recognizing The Signs

In some cases, bringing home your brand new baby doesn't... Read More

Delight in Pregnancy Bedrest

My first experience with bedrest was at 30 weeks into... Read More

Is a Healthy Pregnancy Possible After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

When a woman in the child bearing years undergoes gastric... Read More

Homebirth Midwifery

What is Homebirth Midwifery? Homebirth Midwifery is prenatal care that... Read More

Five Ways to Read Your Bodys Changes before Pregnancy Test

What are the most unforgettable changes happen to your body... Read More

You Can Do Exercise During Pregnancy, but Dont Overdo It

Don't get so lazy during your pregnancy. Move your body... Read More

Are Epidurals Bad?

EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE "HORRORS" OF CHILDBIRTHIt is... Read More

What If Your Teenager Get Pregnant?

What if you received a letter from a 13 years... Read More

Why Pregnant Women Get Stressed and Depressed?

If you are a pregnant mother or soon will be,... Read More

Your Role as an Expectant Father

Quite often expectant fathers get bent out of shape over... Read More

The Stages of Pregnancy

There are three distinct stages of pregnancy, called trimesters, each... Read More

The Truth About Labor and Childbirth

Labor and childbirth was an amazing, positive experience for me,... Read More

Why Shouldnt I Smoke During Pregnancy?

There are a lot of good reasons to quit smoking,... Read More

Labor and Delivery

This is it - the finish line. You and your... Read More

How Can I Make Sure Im Exercising Safely During My Pregnancy?

Unless your practitioner gives you specific restrictions or instructions, you... Read More