Benefits of having a birth Keeper or Doula.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Having a Doula or Birth Keeper:
Having a Birth Keeper or Doula can greatly benefit couples during the birthing process. A birth keeper or doula can provide emotional, physical, and informational support to both the mother and her partner. They offer reassurance and guidance to help create a calm and positive environment. They know various birthing options, procedures and can help empower couples to make informed decisions that align with their values and preferences. They ensure effective communication between the couple and medical professionals, enhancing a sense of control and understanding. They also offer practical comfort measures and pain relief techniques, such as massage and breathing exercises, easing the mother's discomfort and helping to create a more satisfying birthing experience. They can also encourage partners to be more involved in the birth process and support the mother. Overall, having a Birth Keeper or Doula by your side can significantly enhance a couple's sense of support, confidence, and overall satisfaction during childbirth.
What doulas and birth keepers don’t do.
Do not provide any medical advice
Do not provide any medical check such as blood pressure or use Dopplers etc
Do not advise against medical advice
Emotional
Reduced anxiety and stress: Numerous studies have shown that having a doula present during childbirth reduces anxiety and stress levels for both the birthing person and their partner. Doulas provide continuous emotional reassurance and create a safe space for expectant parents to express their fears and concerns.
Enhanced self-confidence: Support from a birth keeper or doula continuously can significantly increase the self-confidence of the birthing person, enabling them to feel more in control of the birthing process and encourage the natural hormonal process. Doulas provide information to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care.
Improved mental well-being: Emotional support from a doula has been associated with a reduced risk of experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. Doulas provide a listening ear, validation, and empathy, which can help alleviate feelings of isolation and overwhelm often associated with the postpartum period.
Physical
Reduced medical interventions: Research has consistently shown that individuals who have continuous support from a doula are less likely to require medical interventions during childbirth. Doulas employ comfort measures such as massage, positioning techniques, and relaxation exercises, which can lead to a smoother and more natural birth experience.
Shorter labor duration: Studies have found that the presence of a doula during labor can lead to shorter labor durations. Doula offer physical assistance such as counter-pressure, suggesting beneficial positions, and encouraging movement, all of which contribute to a more efficient labor process.
Increased breastfeeding success: They play an essential role in promoting successful breastfeeding. They offer guidance and education on breastfeeding techniques, assist in establishing proper latch, and provide ongoing support during the early days of breastfeeding, leading to higher breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates.
Evidence-based Birth has a fantastic article where they go through the evidence of doulas and birth support.
The evidence-based birth article says that based on evidence having birth support from outside the hospital can:
Decrease in the risk of Cesarean
Increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
Decrease in the use of any pain relief medication
Shorter labours
Decrease in a low five-minute Apgar score
Decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
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