When you are about to have your baby there are a host of choices you need to make before that big day. One among such things is who are you going to have in the delivery room. Apart from your near and dear ones you would also considering hiring the services of a doula . A doula is someone trained to support a woman through labor and provide emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor. So while you are at that moment you are sure to be cared for and looked after.
1. Numerous studies have shown that there were a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. In fact women themselves have reported more positive child births.
2. Doula’s often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. They even help in the production of oxytocin in women which helps in contractions during labor reducing pain during childbirth.
3. Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves but they know exactly what is needed.
4. The doula even offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation , movement and positioning, and comforts the woman with touch, hot or cold packs, beverages, warm baths and showers, and other comforting gestures which are much needed during the time of childbirth.
5. Doulas are well-versed in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate or blood pressure monitoring. They do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions or give medical advice.
6. Doula also supports the mother to have a voice during her pregnancy , labour and birth. Supporting her to ask questions and to make informed decisions about her body and her baby. Doulas can also enhance the relationship between you and your care providers.
7. Doula’s also provide birthing classes in Melbourne and take you through the right course in ensuring that you don't face problems during childbirth. They provide with all the tips and tricks related to pre and post childbirth.
How to choose the right doula for you?
The key towards finding the right doula depends on your comfort level. Most doulas do not charge for an initial consultation, so you should take sufficient time to interview as many as necessary until you find a good match. You should know well about your needs that will help you in finding the right one.Look for past experiences, the type of training that he/she has undergone and their philosophy regarding childbirth. Some doulas have training in more than one area so do consider these aspects before you find the right doula.
Types of doula services
There are different types of services offered by doula that range from labor and birth doula to postpartum doula. Some provide emotional and physical support during the time of childbirth while others provide post birth related stress. It mainly depends on the type of service you seek.
Postpartum doula services
When new moms can have a difficult time adjusting to the stresses of a newborn, breastfeeding, sleepless nights, and postpartum blues a postpartum doula’s job is to help mom cope with these stressors. She also takes care of parental plan and future family strategies.
Antepartum Doula or High Risk Pregnancy doula
Antepartum doula take care of the mother and the family during the time the mother is pregnant. Complicated pregnancies are more common than ever and more babies are being more premature than ever so this is the time when you need the services the most.
Caitlyn Bell is an Arts student whose experiences in life make her really tougher than anyone else. She can lend you expert tips on diverse topics ranging from relationship to fashion, making money, health and so on. Her write-ups are a window into her thoughts and knowledge.