A New Beginning Doula
Doulas are the newest members of the birthing team, working alongside, not replacing, dads/partners, midwives, doctors and nurses. A Doula: recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will always remember; understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour; assists the woman and her partner in the preparation for and the carrying out of their birth plan; provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance in getting the information needed to help the woman make the best decisions for her and her baby; facilitates communication between the labouring woman, her partner, and the care providers; perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the memory of the birth experience for the woman and her partner.
Women supported by a Doula during labor have been shown to have decreased medical intervention in labor*:
- Reduces need for cesarean by 26%
- Reduces the need for forceps or vacuum extractor by 41%
- Reduces use of pain medication by 28%
- Reduces dissatisfaction with birth by 33%
- Reduces length of labor
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:
- Less anxious and depressed
- Had more confidence with baby
- More satisfied w/ partner
- More likely to be breastfeeding
A New Beginning Doula Services is a group of Certified Birth Doulas who offer support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Through unconditional emotional, physical and informational support, we strive to empower birthing couples to discover their own philosophies so that they can achieve a positive and memorable birth experience with fewer interventions. Experienced hands-on breastfeeding support and various resources are also made available as needed. When picturing your ideal birth, consider a Doula from A New Beginning to fill in the gaps and help you meet your preferred birth experience. Our Doulas are members in good standing of DONA International & Doula CARE Inc. and are committed to upholding the highest of DONA standards and code of ethics.
Keep up to date on news and events of A New Beginning Doula Services through our twitter feed and facebook page!
*These statistics appear in Hodnett E, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003. Issue 3, Art. No. CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.
For more about the research, see http://www.dona.org/publications/position_paper_birth.php