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A doula is a woman offering positive presence and listening to the couples needs.

 

She is by your side on the different perinatal experiences.

 

birth, perinatal grief, breastfeeding, handicap, pregnancy, abortion, adoption, single mom, miscarriage...

Supporting women
and parents through
pregnancy and birth

'What is a doula?

 

A doula is a woman - sometimes a man - who serves and nurtures the woman through pregnancy to birth. She offers physical and emotionnal support to her and her partner, but in a non medical way. She "mothered" the mother and by her pesence she helps the family to start living with the new baby with confidence.

 

I already have a doctor and a midwife, why should I hire a doula?

 

Besides the need of a good doctor or a caring midwife, the new mother needs someone continuously by her side that takes all the time needed to answer her questions. She will help the couple to make their own choices as future parents (i.e. through a birth plan). While the doctor is focused on health matters during the birth, the doula is there to ensure that the mother has her needs fulfilled : water, massage, calm, intimacy...

She offers pain reliefs techniques and labor positions.

The mother is less anxious and the medical-care providers are relieved that someone supports the mother emotionnally as well as the father during the birth, so they can really focus on clinical matters.

 

 What about the father?

 

Sometimes the partner fears the situation as much as the mother and can feel lost. The doula can guide and help him to feel comfortable. If he wants to offer support to the mother, the doula can teach him techniques to take part in the birth experience.

 

And after the birth?

 

Having a newborn is anything but easy the first days. The doula gives information on feeding, basic newborn care... She helps making the transition softer for everyone. She can help with a bit of housekeeping and cooking. If parents face any problem, she can recommand doctors, support groups and lactation support groups. The doula does not focus on the baby only, but on the whole family. If everyone feels good, the baby is feeling good too.

 

Benefits when you hire a doula

 

Having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.

Women also reported having a more positive experience in general.

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