Why A Doula?

The American Academy of Family Physicians encourages the use of doulas because [they] decrease the need for pain medication, which in turn increases breastfeeding success rates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages the use of doulas because their use lowers cesarean section rates in hospitals. 
(Source: Gurevich, The Doula Advantage)
 
  Effects on the birth outcome:
* Labors are 25% to 50% shorter

* There are fewer complications

* Cesarean rates are reduced by up to 51%

* There is a 40% less need for Pitocin to speed up labor

* 71% reduction in use of oxytocin

* Use of forceps is reduced by 57%

* Women request less or no pain medications and epidurals (30% to 60%)

Effects on the parents:
* Women report greater satisfaction with childbirth and their abilities to be a good mother

* Mothers have more positive assessments of their babies

* Less postpartum depression


* 70% of couples were more satisfied with their relationship six weeks postpartum, compared to only 30% of couples without doulas
     
Effects on the baby:
* Newborns have shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to special care nurseries

* Newborns breastfeed more easily

* Facilitates affectionate bonding between mother and child postpartum

Effects on the healthcare system:
* Obstetrical care costs are dramatically reduced

* Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer

*Nurses are less stressed knowing that there is a professional doula with the mother at all times

The American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, World Health Organization, Medical Leadership Council of Washington, DC, and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada all  encourage the use of doulas.
(Source:Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus: Mothering the Mother)

 

Why A Doula?

Doulas have probably existed, in function if not in name, for as long as women have been giving birth. In nearly every culture on earth, women support each other before, during labor, and delivery as well as the weeks following birth. In our society however, this support has been removed from the birthplace at the same time that a myriad of choices have complicated the birthing process. Now more than ever, the nurturing presence of a Doula can help families meet the challenges of birth. During these times women need reassurance and information. They also need support, both physical and emotional – even spiritual. They need the type of insight and advice that only another woman can provide. 

 

A Doula:
The role of a Doula is to mother the mother. Her primary objective is to nurture and protect a woman’s memory of her birth experience. Doulas work alongside physicians, midwives, nurses, and birth partners as well as assisting women giving birth in hospitals, birth centers and at home. A birth Doula's purpose is to help mothers come as close as they can to having the kind of birth they desire, leaving them and their birth partner with the best possible feelings about themselves and their capabilities. They work to educate mothers and their partners about childbirth, to help mediate the stress and discomfort that can be associated with pregnancy and labor, and to provide physical and emotional support throughout the entire childbirth process. The Doula offers suggestions on comfort measures, pain relief, positions, movement, breathing and relaxation. The Doula recognizes childbirth as a transformative life experience. While the outcome of labor and birth can be unpredictable, the care you receive during your labor should never be. As your Doula, I am YOUR assistant. I do not work for the hospital or the nurses. I am employed by you, and therefore I have your desires, hopes, and best interest in mind. I hope to provide constant, nurturing, helpful and objective support as well as first-hand knowledge and understanding of what you, the laboring mother, is going through.

The heart of Doula care is the understanding that continuous emotional support and reassurance during labor and birth improves and enhances maternal satisfaction. Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. In addition to the support, Doulas are trained in non-pharmacological pain relief. Non-pharmacological pain relief means anything non-medical such as massage, aromatherapy, visualization, situation-appropriate application of heat or cold, breathing patterns, body positioning, focal points, and relaxation techniques.  Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions, or give medical advice.  The Doulas goal is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth, as defined by each individual woman.

Contact:
Marianne Ames, CD
Snohomish, WA 98290
marianne@nurturingdoula.com
(425) 397-9757 or (425) 232-1451