Birthing From the Soul: Doula & Aromatherapy Services
A Doula is a woman who has education, experience, and knowledge of pregnancy, labour, and childbirth. It is the Doula's job to help the parents have the birth that they desire. She does this by providing information and continuous support to the birthing woman, her partner, and other family members before, during and after the birth. The Doula shows the mother that she has the ability to be her own advocate. She gives quiet reassurance to the mother and helps enhance the natural abilities of the birthing woman.
Doulas and Fathers/Partners
The Doula supports both the mother and her partner. She eases any pressure that the partner may feel and may give him/her gentle suggestions as to how to support the mother. The partner tends to the needs of the birthing woman through touch and sharing and the Doula guides and encourages the woman through her labour. The Doula helps the father/partner to feel less anxiety as s/he witnesses the mother's birthing journey. Many partners feel relieved to have the Doula as a continous support person who is solely focused on their spouse. The Doula and partner do not fulfil the same role during childbirth: they are both important for the emotional and physical support of the birthing woman.
Reduced the overall cesarean rate by 50%
Reduced the length of labor by 25%
Reduced oxytocin use by 40%
Reduced the use of pain medication by 30%
Reduced forceps deliveries by 40%
Reduced requests for epidural pain medication by 60%
Reduced incidences of maternal fever
Reduced the number of days newborns spent in NICU (neo-natal infant care unit)
Reduced the amount of septic workups performed on newborns
Resulted in higher rates of breastfeeding
Resulted in more positive maternal assessments of maternal confidence
Resulted in more positive maternal assessments of maternal and newborn health
Resulted in decreased rates of postpartum depression
A study that was published in the book Mothering The Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth, by Marshall Klaus, John Kennell and Phyllis Klaus, established the following outcomes of women/families who had Doulas to support them in pregnancy and labour:
Why Have a
Eliminates the Fear-Tension Pain Syndrome before, during and after birthing
Reduces, often eliminates need for anesthesia, episiotomy, and other interventions