Trained and experienced in childbirth, a birth doula provides physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth. A birth doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation movement, and positioning, while providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort. A doula's goal is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth based on her wishes and work with her partner to provide a wonderful support team.
Clinical studies have shown that the presence of a doula can:
- Reduce overall cesarean rate
- Reduce length of labor and complications
- Reduce mother's request for pain medication including epidurals
- Reduce need for pitocin, forcepts or vacuum extraction
Research has shown that the support of a doula can:
- Help fathers participate with confidence
- Increase success with breastfeeding
- Boost parents self confidence
- Increase positive feelings about birth experience
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