ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A DOULA
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth
-tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
-reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
-reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
-reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
-Feel more secure and cared for
-Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
-Have greater success with breastfeeding
-Have greater self-confidence
-Have less postpartum depression
-Have lower incidence of abuse
WHAT IS A DOULA?