I think this is awesome!!! Definitely worth watching.

 

Benefits of a Doula.

Studies have shown the following benefits of having a doula present at birth:

• 45% reduction in c-section rates
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 50% reduction in pitocin use
• 31% reduction in analgesia use
• 34% reduction in forceps or vacuum deliveries

Women who have used a doula at birth are more satisfied with their births, feel more confident before and after the birth, show a quicker rate of bonding with their newborn, are less likely to have post-partum depression, and more likely to breastfeed.

Belly Castings

Offering Painted Belly Castings.

What a great way of remembering the beauty in pregnancy!!

What is a Doula?

The Greek word doula means woman caregiver.  We now use the word to describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during and just after childbirth.

A birth doula...
...recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember for the rest of her life...

...understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor...

...assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth...

...stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor...

...provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions...

...facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers...

...perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.

-Unknown