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The
word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to
someone experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional,
and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after
childbirth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the
postpartum period.
Studies
have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer
complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A
Birth Doula
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Recognizes
childbirth as a key experience the mother will remember all her
life.
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Understands
the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in
labor.
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Assists
the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for the
birth.
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Stays
with the woman throughout the labor.
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Provides
emotional support, physical comfort measures,
and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the
woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
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Facilitates
communication between the laboring woman,
her partner, and clinical care providers.
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Perceives
her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the
birth experience.
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Allows
the woman's partner to participate at comfort level.
Research
evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can
ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a
family, improve parental satisfaction, and reduce the risk of mood
disorders.
A
Postpartum Doula
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Offers
education, quiet nonjudgmental support, and companionship during the
postpartum 4th trimester.
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Assists
with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation, and light
household tidying.
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Offers
evidence-based information on infant-feeding, emotional and physical
recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills for new
parents; and makes appropriate referrals when necessary.
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