Support to expectant mothers is a common practice in many communities, and although support offered by family and friends goes a long way in making the pregnancy journey smooth and a great success. Receiving help from a professional has more benefits for the parents as well as the child.
A doula is a trained professional, in providing emotional, physical, psychological as well as informational support to expectant parents before and after birth. A doula, helps both the mother and father before birth, during birth and even after delivery. Besides, a doula is also trained in providing support during a stillbirth, induced abortion or miscarriage. The doula ensures the parents experience a healthy and satisfying birth experience.
Doula births have become popular, even in hospitals. Besides providing emotional support to the parents. Below are some of the benefits of having a doula birth as well as important factors to consider when choosing your doula.
- Improved outcomes, the support and nurturing offered by the doula has been seen to improve the birth experience making it safe for both the mother and child. Stress and anxiety may cause complications during pregnancy; however, a doula provides comfort, relieving stress, ensuring the birth process is as smooth as possible.
In a review by the Cochrane Database Systematic Review, doula births, showed a significant drop in adverse challenges during birth. The study also relieved, during doula births, mothers are less likely to undergo caesarean delivery, epidural birth or use any pain medication during the process.
- Improvement in the physical and psychological wellbeing of the mother and child, a doula, will provide not only emotional support, for the parents but also provides important information on how to stay physically fit during pregnancy and even after birth. Additionally, a doula offers post-partum emotional support.
Receiving support after birth from friends and family is great; however, having a professional to guide you afterwards may help to deal better with any post-partum stress significantly. Some doulas offer their services up to six weeks after birth.
A doula birth also makes the father more involved in the process; the birth process is not only an issue for the mother and child. It is also essential to have the father involved and supporting the family. Besides the doulas support, mothers receiving support from their partner also helps to improve the birth process.
Doula births have been seen to have more benefit for the mother and child and the family at large. However, before deciding on your doula, it is essential to consider several factors.
Certification, doulas now receive training on how to best deal with the families. When selecting a doula, it is essential to ensure they are certified and trained. A great way to go about this could be asking for recommendations from friends and family.
Cost, the end goal in selecting a doula birth is having the best, stress-free birth experience. Find out from different organization the price ranges and settle on what works best for you. A great tip in searching for a doula you can afford is starting the search early on in the pregnancy.
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