ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A DOULA?
"A doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides physical, emotional, and educational support to you and your partner during pregnancy, childbirth + the postpartum period."
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Consider your doula your coach, teammate + cheerleader for your birth and postpartum period. Doulas are the non-medical support people who empower you to make the best choices for you and your family.
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOULA AND A MIDWIFE OR NURSE?
Midwives and nurses, like doctors are medical professionals; a doula, is not.
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While nurses and midwives are valued members of the birthing team, their main focus is getting your baby out safely. Your doula's main focus is YOU. Your doula has worked with you throughout your pregnancy, knows your birthing preferences and is a second advocate for you in the birth setting. Your doula is also the one healthcare professional you KNOW will be present for your birth (we do not work in rotating teams).
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO YOU PROVIDE?
We support All types of birth in any setting! It doesn't matter if you have an epidural, or whether or not you have a
c-section. You may decide to give birth in a hospital, your home, or somewhere else. Wherever you decide, and however you decide to give birth, your doula is there to support you.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIRE A DOULA?
Between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy is ideal. This allows more time to build a relationship with your doula as your pregnancy progresses and space out prenatal visits to avoid information overload. You will have a greater opportunity to ask questions and your doula can better tailor her support to cater to your unique needs.
WHY DO I NEED A DOULA?
Research shows that when a doula is present at a birth, labours are shorter, there is a decreased need for medical intervention, and there are fewer complications:
- 25% shorter labour
- 50% reduction in cesarean rate
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- Increased chances of successful breastfeeding
- Reduced incidences of postpartum mood + anxiety disorders
- Greater satisfaction with childbirth, resulting in a more positive birth experience
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["Mothering the Mother" by Marshall H. Kalau, M.D.; John H. Kennel, M.D.; and Phyllis H. Klaus, M.Ed., C.S.W.]
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Once upon a time, women gave birth with a village of support from mothers, sisters, aunts, etc. It is unfortunate in this time, that many are unable to experience such a blessing. Having a doula support you through birth and the early postpartum stages helps to close that gap where a village once stood and makes the transition from two, to three... or more an easier one.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Feel free to contact us.
Send an email to info@onyxdoula.com OR give us a call at 647.499.2955