Why a Doula?
If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.
~ John H. Kennell, MD
Women experienced in pregnancy and childbirth have been assisting laboring women for thousands of years.
And the benefits of doula care have been recognized worldwide.
Studies show that when doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies.
Recent evidence also suggests that when a doula provides labor support, women are more satisfied with their experience and the mother-infant interaction is enhanced as long as two months after the birth.
Father's/Partner's sometimes think that doula care might take away from their experience of the birth and their support of the mother. This is simply not true. Partner's/Father's job is to offer their love and support in the way that he or she does in any other stressful event of the mothers life. Nothing can take the place of the mothers life partner, ever. However parents need to be mothered during labor and this kind of mothering is best recieved from a woman that has been through labor herself. Also labor can sometimes be quite long and breaks sometimes become necessary a doula can fill in the short spaces when you need a break.
The love and support that the father or partner brings to the labor is accentuated by the calming support of a doula. In times where the partner cannot be at the labor or if the woman is single a trained labor support person becomes is essential.
Midwives, doctors and nurses job is to care for the mother and babies physical state to ensure a healthy delivery. However sometimes the psychological or emotional support are unmet by medical personal. Doulas act as advocates for families to help educate them about their choices and then support the choices that family makes.
Doulas also are available to attend homebirth in which that can serve as a very valuable "housewife" so to speak guarding the home, preparing things in the kitchen and of course supporting the laboring woman and her family.
To read more about the services Blossoming Family offers for doula support click here
To set up a free meeting with Abigail click here or call (971) 221-8846
Blossoming Family
(971)221-8846