Pregnancy & Birth
3.Pain Relief
That’s right, your doula has superpowers! There are several evidence based studies* which show the need for pharmaceutical pain relief is reduced when the woman has continuous doula support. How amazing is that?! Women who have a doula tend to feel less pain and therefore decline interventions such as continual fetal monitoring*. Synthetic oxytocin often goes hand in hand with epidural which often leads to more intervention and instrumental births, are also often declined when women are able to make informed decisions and are consistently supported by doulas throughout their pregnancy and birth. Rebozo, massage, acupressure and hypnobirthing are some of the things a doula can support you and your partner with.
4. Breastfeeding-consistent support.
A doula can help support you to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Doula UK responded* to UNICEF’s report* that women who had hired a doula significantly increased their rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 weeks compared to the national average. A survey found that women who chose to invest in a doula increased their chances of exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks by 23% against the national average. Doula support throughout pregnancy, birth and crucially, one to one support in the immediate postnatal period can provide you with the information, support and education needed to successfully breastfeed.
5. Postnatal Depression and Doulas.
Upto 85% of mothers may experience some ‘baby blues’ in the early postnatal weeks, however for 10-15% of women* Postnatal Depression can be a significant life event. A Postnatal Doula can reduce the incidence* of postnatal depression and listening to mum, being there for her, help to support the transition from womanhood to motherhood an easier ride by being there for the family unit as a whole and enabling her to make informed decisions and helping her to find her feet in the early weeks with a new baby.
6. Bonding-The Whole Family.
Research* has shown that where a doula provides support for a woman during pregnancy, birth and in the immediate postnatal period, families are emotionally more stable, easily adapt to new family dynamics and have less negative aspects surrounding their birth. In turn these positive outcomes reduce postnatal depression and increase breastfeeding incidence as discussed above. Dad is in need of support too and the whole family are empowered by the doulas presence, partners have a sidekick to provide them some emotional support or some much needed rest during births.
Overall, there is no known evidence against the support a doula can provide and countless research based papers are available from across the world supporting the need for birth companions. All women should be enabled to have support during this precious time in their lives. Cake and tea is an obvious bonus for all! You can find a doula in your area on the Doula UK website or by searching doulas via Google in your area.
Nikki runs The Doula Element in the North West of England. www.thedoulaelement.co.uk