FAQ
| | What is a Doula? Will a Doula replace my husband/ partner? What are the benefits of having a Doula? What does a Doula NOT do? What kind of training does a Doula have? |
A: A doula is a woman that assists the birthing mother through childbirth emotionally, as well as physically. She provides techniques to make the labor more comfortable and manageable.
A: A Doula does not replace your partner, but instead works with your partner to make the experience an enjoyable one for the both of you. I think it is often overlooked that this is a very transformative process for the father as well. I want to help the both of you make a smooth and beautiful transition as a team.
A: According to Childbirth.org, these are some statistics on having a trained labor Doula:
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
If you would like more information regarding the risks of these interventions, please contact me.
Q: How many of your clients end up with epidurals or cesareans?
A: In my three years of being a doula, I have a less than 6% epidural rate as well as a less than 1% cesarean rate. Please note that this is circumstantial and I cannot make promises in regards to your particular birth experience. What I can promise is that regardless of the direction your labor takes you, I will do what is within my power to help make it a beautiful and memorable birthing experience.
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A: As a Doula, I am not clinical. I will not check your cervix for dilation, or check fetal heart tones- anything along those lines. If you are unsure about something in particular, please feel free to ask.
A: I have finished my Doula training through Seattle Midwifery School (for more on their Doula training, see here: http://http://www.seattlemidwifery.org/doula_education.htm) It was a 24 hour intensive training with Penny Simkin. Once you have finished DONA certified doula training ( DONA.org ), and you have attended a number of births, you can apply for Doula Certification.