 For
almost 20 years, researchers have been examining a centuries-old
phenomenon -- women helping women through childbirth. Continuous
support from an experienced female companion, called a "doula,”
has been demonstrated to have impressive benefits, including
shorter labors, less need for pain medications, and reduced
likelihood of cesarean delivery. These findings about a proven,
risk-free method come at a time when the focus in society
seems to be moving towards the desire for more holistic approaches
in an age of increased technology and medical intervention.
A common myth today is that having a companion
in the labor and delivery room is adequate when a woman delivers
her child. But although it may add enormous comfort and ease
to the mother-to-be to have a loving, familiar face present,
few of these individuals have a real understanding of the
birth process.
Furthermore, most are too emotionally involved
and worried about the outcome themselves to provide their
partners with the objective, calm support that is so crucial
in order to have a positive birth experience.
 The
doula can best be described as a labor “manager”
who helps guide the parents through the process by offering
a voice of experience during a time when many couples feel
overwhelmed by the sea of medical staff and changing shifts
of personnel caring for them. The doula is a constant form
of support who devotes his or her entire attention on the
birthing mom and her coaching partner. Offering relaxation
techniques to the mother, reassuring the father and helping
him be as involved or uninvolved as he wishes, acting as the
liason to the family in the waiting area, taking those first
moments of video and photographs, and then helping care for
the newborn and answer questions for the new parents those
first few weeks home from the hospital.
When a woman in labor receives the undivided,
compassionate support of another woman, the birth progresses
more quickly, more easily, and with less medical intervention.
TESTIMONIALS
Suzanne-
Just a note to thank you for all the thought and care you
have put into helping my daughter and the baby. Being so far
away from Cindy during the first weeks of Franklin's life
have been difficult for me. But knowing that you have been
there to support them has given me great peace of mind. Being
around the baby in the last few days has given me proof that
he has been taken very well care of and is very happy. Thank
you again for all your help.
--
Kathy Breece
Robert Breece
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