Benefits of Having a Doula
A doula's role is nothing new. For thousands of years, women have been supported through childbirth by other women. When birth moved from homes to hospitals, much of this intimate, personal care was left behind. Recent studies now reveal the importance of the age-old concept of continuous labor support. A doula's presence has been shown to result in births with fewer interventions and more positive outcomes, including the following:
Why Hire a Doula?
"Why would I want to hire a doula?" Well, who of us doesn't appreciate support and encouragement when we are engaging in a demanding activity? Birth is strenuous, not only for the mother, but also for her loved ones. A birth doula can help keep a calm, pleasant atmosphere. She can relieve an exhausted father by giving him a chance to attend to his own needs so that he can then feel refreshed and be more able to encourage his wife or assist her to his level of comfort. She may also be needed to support another family member that is present, thereby insuring that the mother is spared any added stress. A doula, with her knowledge of the birth process, can help the mother and her family understand the amazing way that God made her body to work and can help alleviate their fears by reminding them of the indications of a natural, healthy labor and birth. She can also suggest different positions that may be helpful in relieving some of the mother's discomfort; or assist the father in his role, for example, by bringing hot packs, cold packs, or beverages for the mother. With a doula's positive attitude and calm reassurance, she can be a source of support to the father, somewhat relieving his anxieties, thereby allowing him to feel more positive.
But what if the father feels confident in his support role? Of what benefit would a doula be in that case? It is interesting to examine the results of some studies done that compare doula-attended births with those births not attended by doulas. It was discovered that having a doula present resulted in shorter labors, less need of epidurals or other pain medications, less need to stimulate labor with oxytocin, fewer forceps and vacuum extractor deliveries, and as much as a fifty percent reduction in the rate of cesareans. Not as many of the mothers got maternal fever either, which, understandably, resulted in healthier babies. When the mother has not had medication, her baby (as well as she herself) is usually more alert and her baby tends to be less fussy. In such cases, breastfeeding has a chance to get off to a good start and, with such a healthy baby and mother, they can be released from the hospital sooner.
This brings us to another issue — financial concerns. It could seem like hiring a doula is just another expense, but we need to look closely at all aspects of the birth and even the long-term effects of a doula before we make such a judgment. Since the mother is less likely to have an epidural or cesarean, that could save quite a bit of money. A shorter hospital stay for both the mother and the baby will also likely mean a smaller bill. There will be no need to buy formula for the baby if breastfeeding is successful, which has been shown to be more likely if a doula was present. It has also been discovered that having a doula-supported birth results in a less depressed mother who feels closer to her baby. Her baby tends to be healthier, even at six weeks of age, than those born without a doula present. Less depression and anxiety on the part of the mother, along with a healthier baby, means fewer doctor visits which, again, results in financial savings.
So why can't a nurse just provide that continuous support? Won't that yield the same results? Research has shown that when nurses are used for continuous support, no beneficial effects result. On the other hand, it is interesting to note the effect of a doula's presence, even if she does not talk or touch the mother. Compared to mothers who have no doulas, these mothers are still less than half as likely to use an epidural. This shows that continuous companionship is a very real and important part of a doula's responsibilities. "The doula's primary responsibility is to her clients" (DONA International Code of Ethics). She is present to assist the mother in having a safe, satisfying birth experience. She is there for emotional, physical, and informational support, as set forth in DONA International's Standards of Practice. It is also within her role to offer practical advice on comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, movement, and position. A DONA International Birth Doula Position Paper reminds us that, while a doula brings definite benefits to the birth experience, she is not a replacement for the father. Ideally, they should work together to provide the mother with the maximum support that she needs.
Birth is a momentous event for a mother — an event that she will remember for years to come. Will she treasure the memory of this miraculous event, or will her memory haunt her as she thinks back to that frightening, "lonely" experience? There is no need for her to feel alone. A doula's continuous presence shows that she really does care. So, given the fact that there are no known risks in hiring a birth doula, "Why wouldn't I want to hire a doula?"