| Frequently asked questions |
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| Offering Doula Services to Birthing Families in Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino, and Lake Counties DoulaBella provides education, information, and continuous support throughout the birth experience. |
| Call TODAY! to schedule a free consult. (707) 291-4086 Debdoula234@aol.com |
| Q. Why should I have doula support at my birth? A. A doula is there just for you. She doesn't have to do medical charting, or answer pagers for other clients. She is committed to your physical and mental well-being during the birth. That helps you to be less stressed and that allows your body to birth more normally. The doula's pressence is continuous unlike all the other providers in the birth room. Nurses, doctors, midwives, and sometimes even family cannot always be there for you continuously. Statistics show that doula support at your birth reduces the cesarean rate, requests for epidurals, and the need for pitocin. Improved breastfeeding rates, and less postpartum depression, and even feeling more content with your partner after the birth birth! Q. My husband is worried the doula will take his place in the delivery room. How does a doula work with the partner to support the mother? A. A Doula is there for your partner too. My best evaluations have often been from partners! I help fathers to be able to eat, rest, and enable them to really be there for their partner. I often am able to reasure them that what they are seeing is normal and that mom is really alright. We often put partners in the position of being called "coach" for a game they never played! One father told me that my being there freed him from feeling like he needed to know what to do at all times, and that helped him to really be present to experience the birth more fully. Interestingly, studies show women 60% more satisfied with their partner's relationship 6 weeks postpartum when they both had doula support at the birth! Q. What if I think I want an epidural for my birth. Do I still need a doula? A. A doula explores with you all of the options for birth. Ultimately it is YOUR birth. You make decisions that are best for you. Providers like moms to wait until dilated 4 centimeters until getting an epidural and that can be 8 or more hours of labor. Even then sometimes the mother cannot get an epidural right away. Sometimes epidurals do not work completely. Even with the epidural in place, a doula can be there for you, answer questions, and help with maximizing positioning for pushing. Many of my clients are unsure about getting an epidural and would like to deliver naturally if possible. Having a doula there gives mothers a much better chance at having a natural birth. The bottom line is that a doula should be supportive of your decisions and be there to discuss them after the birth. Q. My mother is going to be with me during my birth. Can't she be my doula? A. Mothers can often be wonderful support for you during your birth. A doula has one advantage however. The doula has an objective viewpoint. I know from experience that when your own child is giving birth your emotions are caught up in a deeper way than that of the doula. She can help you to make decisions and ask you to do things without the emotional connection that can complicate the exchange. I have assisted in many births where mothers are present for support, and been support to the mother and other family members as well. Q. I had a C-section last time. Can a doula help me prevent a second C-section? A. I personally have attended four successful VBAC (Vaginal birth After Cesarean)births this year alone. Studies show cesarean rates are reduced by as much as 50% by having a doula present. A doula can help you navigate through policy and protocol, and to know your rights and risks. She can help you to ask the questions and get answers to find out whether a prescribed treatment is policy or is about your own medical situtation. She can help by suggesting postions and techniques to position babies in the best position for a vaginal delivery. She is also there continuously which is so helpful in keeping you focused and feeling safe and secure. Q. What do I get for my money when I hire a doula? A. When you hire a doula you have continuous labor support. All of the hospital staff are in and out of the labor room. The doula begins her support long before the birth by helping you learn your birth options, writing a birth plan, and being available to encourage and educate you during your pregnancy. She is on call for several weeks before and after your due date to answer your calls, meet with you, and come to your home when you are in early labor. She can suggest positions and comfort measures to help you through labor both at home and in the hospital or birth center. She can help your partner to stay nourished, and informed during your labor so he can support you. The doula stays after the birth to help with breastfeeding and is available to help after the birth with breastfeeding and newborn care questions. She visits you postpartum to talk about your birth and your postpartum adjustment. She may take photos at your birth and after at your request. Having a doula reduces your risk of unnecessary cesareans and interventions statistically. Interestingly one study concluded six weeks postpartum that mothers were 85% more satisfied with their partner's support when the mother had doula support at birth! Q. My Doctor and friends say not to bother with childbirth classes. Why should I take a class? A. As a doula I highly recommend taking a childbirth class. You learn so much more about your choices and options for birth and newborn care. As a doula I feel that having heard these things in a class setting is very valuable. Trying to learn them while working through labor is much more difficult. As your doula I can help remind you of options, and make a space for you to discuss them with myself and your partner to discuss them. I also teach private childbirth classes for those whose schedules do not work with conventional classes. |
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